Minister miffed over govt's Neralubhagya scheme

CHIKMAGALUR: Karnataka Housing Minister C.R. Sageer Ahmed has instructed officials of the taluk panchayat to withdraw the unspent amount, released under the ‘Neralubhagya’ scheme, from gram panchayats.
Reviewing the progress made in various development work in the taluk here on Tuesday, the minister was miffed that schemes were not being carried out on schedule and the amount earmarked had not been spent.
Under the Indira Awaas Yojna, a sum of Rs 18.15 lakh, which has not been spent, should be utilised by March-end, he said.
The panchayat president and secretary should take initiatives to provide employment to the needy under drought relief works, he said, adding the quality of work should be monitored by both panchayat members and villagers. He promised to convene a meeting to discuss ways and means to provide employment to the rural masses.
All the 47 presidents, vice-presidents and secretaries of the district’s panchayats apprised the minister of the problems faced during administration. They said the minister should make contingency arrangements for providing drinking water during summer.
Zilla Panchayat President T.D. Rajegowda, Chief Executive Officer K. Kenchappa, members A.N. Mahesh, H.S. Manjunath, K. Mohamed and S.P. Satheesh participated in the meeting.