The Hindu Business Line : Administration to go to grassroots

Scheme schedule The scheme is to be launched in two phases Mr Sharad Pawar to preside over a meeting of chief ministers, agriculture ministers from various states on April 10 on farmers' issue.

Hyderabad , April 6

In an effort to take administration to the grassroots, the Andhra Pradesh Government is set to launch Praja Pathakam, a scheme wherein elected representatives, Government officials and local administration will converge to redress peoples' grievances from April 9.

These grievances would be in the areas of drinking water supply, seven-hour power supply to the farm sector, employment assistance schemes, issue of ration cards and low interest rate to women self-help groups.

Addressing a press conference here today, the State Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said Praja Pathakam will be launched in two phases. While the first phase will be held in April 11-28 (with 15 working days) the second phase will be during May 7-12.

Package For Farmers

Given the increasing number of suicides by farmers, the Centre is contemplating a comprehensive package that would seek to stem the problem of suicides among farmers. As a part of this exercise, a panel is now examining how farmers concerns could be addressed.

Chief ministers and Agriculture Ministers from AP, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra will meet here on April 10 with Union Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, presiding.

Referring to Praja Pathakam, Dr Reddy said the scheme is a continuation of the effort initiated last year that seeks to solve people's issues by directly interacting with them.

During the first phase, non-Indiramma villages would be covered. And during the second phase, only Indiramma villages would be addressed. During the programme, asset distribution work will also be taken up and efforts made to identify land for the housing scheme.

On the land compensation related issue, Dr Reddy said his government would provide adequate compensation to those displaced by various projects now underway. However, it would not be possible to give the current market rate, since every day we are witness to higher rates.

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