Cabinet sub-committee reviews proposals on 'Vidarbha Package'

Bangalore, June 27 (UNI) A Cabinet sub-committee of Karnataka government on 'Vidarbha Package' today reviewed the proposals and directed the ministers and officials of six districts, covered under the package, to review it once a month.

Talking to newspersons here, Karnataka Public Works and Power Minister H D Revanna said the sub-committee would urge the Centre to increase its share under the package.

The districts covered under the package were Belgaum, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Kodagu, Hassan and Chikmaglur.

Replying to queries, he denied that there were any delays in sending proposals with regard to irrigation projects under the package.

He said out of the total 16 proposals, ten had already been sent and the remaining would be sent within a week.

The state government had already earmarked Rs 870 crore for the package.

Of the total amount of Rs 4165 crore for the package, the Centre would provide only Rs 1208 crore, he said.

A separate meeting was held to discuss the funding by National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD).

Unless the Centre framed a permanent policy for farmers, no package can help them. The Centre's role in safeguarding the interests of the farmers was paramount, when compared to the states' role, he added.

UNI