The Hindu Business Line : PM inaugurates 2nd phase of land distribution scheme in AP

A woman seeks the blessings of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, after receiving the land `patta' in Medak on Sunday. The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, are also seen. — Satish H.

Medak, (Andhra Pradesh), Aug. 21

IF the country manages to sustain the economic growth witnessed last year, it would be able to eradicate poverty within next five-ten years, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said on Sunday.

"India is witness to all round growth, and if this momentum sustains over the next few years, we would be able to achieve a rightful slot among comity of nations with our economic power," Dr Singh said.

The Prime Minister was in Medak, about 110 km from here, to inaugurate the second phase of land distribution scheme, where about 1.68 lakh acres of land would be distributed to poor. Apart from land, these poor awardees would be provided financial assistance to manage it, for this Rs 350 crore has been earmarked.

As a token of initiation of Indira Prabha programme (land distribution), Dr Singh personally handed over documents to about 10 people from across the State.

Urging people to be vigilant against corruption, Dr Singh said, "We need to ensure that all the funds earmarked for various development schemes are properly utilised. And, if this is achieved, within five years every village in the country will have both bijli (power) and water. Alongside this, we will ensure that every child has access to education, which he rightfully deserves."

Referring to the Bharat Nirman Plan, the Prime Minister said this is one initiative, which will reach even the farthest corner of the country. The effort is on to provide the much-needed rural network of roads. Banks have been directed to ensure that even underprivileged people, women and backward classes have access to funds for small initiatives they undertake in areas such as handlooms, and cottage industries.

The Prime Minister said the Employment Guarantee Scheme, along with the food-for-work programme, would ensure that people in rural areas have a chance to be part of the overall economic growth.

While assuring the Andhra Pradesh Government of all necessary support, including financial assistance, Dr Singh said, "The State had initiated several ambitious projects and that he was confident these will achieve desired results over the next five years. The Medak district would be made a model district and the Centre will provide all necessary support to achieve this."

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajashekhara Reddy, wanted the Centre to include Medak in the employment guarantee scheme.

Dr Reddy urged the Centre to provide Rs 25,000 crore for the Telangana region as a case for development of backward areas. He said Rs 500 crore would be spent to support development of four lakh acres of land.

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