K'taka releases Rs 309 crore for rural roads

Bangalore, Aug 24 (UNI) Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister C M Udasi today said the government had released Rs 309 crore for the maintenance of rural roads for the current year.

Talking to newspersons here, the Minister said the funds had been released on taluk wise basis, and ranged from Rs one crore to Rs five crore to each taluk.

The government had also taken up a pilot project under the Prime Minister ''Gram Sadak Yojana'' in five taluks for building of rural roads with a new technology at a cost of Rs 154 crore, he said.

The Centre had already released the allotted funds and depending on the success of the project, it would be extended to the entire state, he said.

He said the government was also planning to bring an amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act making the election of Gram Panchayat Chairman direct for a term of five years.

The Bill was likely to be placed in the next session, he added.

UNI