Central fund to Gujarat, Rajasthan for desert development

New Delhi, Jun 9 (UNI) The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 250.64 lakh to the state governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan for the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Desert Development Programme' (DDP) during the current financial year 2008-09.

The Mehsana District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Gujarat has been sanctioned Rs 67.50 lakh as 7th instalment of Central Release for implementation of DDP the to plan and develop 30 projects under the Watershed projects during the current year.

Similarly, the Churu DRDA in Rajasthan has been sanctioned Rs 183.14 lakh as 3rd instalment of Central release for implementation of the DDP to plan and develop 28 projects under the Watershed projects during the current year.

The grant is towards Plan Expenditure and its utilisation is subject to the terms and conditions laid down in the guidelines for watershed development and also to the condition and orders issued or to be issue by the Central Government from time to time. The Project Directors of DRDAs will insure the proper utilisation of funds by the Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs).

The State Government should also release their 25 per cent share to the DRDAs within 15 days from the date of release of the Central Share. These projects have been extended upto March 31, 2009. The other terms and conditions, already conveyed, will remain the same.

UNI AJ SK GC1336