The Hindu Business Line : Kerala to focus on productive sectors in decentralised planning

Govt steps
The department has already approved projects worth Rs 2,520 crore for development of basic infrastructure in cities.
The department has availed funds under the various centrally-sponsored schemes during the year.
The job guarantee scheme has been implemented in Wayanad and Kasaragod districts.

Thiruvananthapuram May 18 The Kerala Government has decided to give priority to productive sectors in the decentralised planning programme.

The Minister for Local Administration, Mr. Paloli Mohamed Kutty, said here on Friday that the Government would ensure public participation in the decentralised planning process. This would mean a departure from the bureaucracy-centred planning set-up hitherto followed.

The Minister said that over the last one year, the Local Administration Department had formulated a slew of projects that were suited to the development and growth of villages and cities in the State. The department had already approved projects worth Rs 2,520 crore for development of basic infrastructure in cities.

Project sanctions

It had sanctioned Rs 1,440 crore for sustainable development of five corporations in the State. Besides, schemes worth Rs 840 crore would be implemented for the development of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi cities in the current year, Mr Mohamed Kutty said.

These apart, sanction had been granted for spending Rs 157 crore for the development of small cities and another Rs 98 crore for integrated slum development programme.

Model scheme

The department had been able to avail itself of funds under the various centrally-sponsored schemes during the year. The job guarantee scheme implemented in Wayanad and Kasaragod districts was a model for the entire country, the Minister claimed.

As many as 20 lakh mandays, with a total wage disbursal of Rs 27 crore, were created during the period.

The department also made available Rs 226 crore for road development in the State under the Prime Minister's Rural Road Development Scheme.

Kudumbashree scheme

The `Kudumbasree' scheme generated massive employment opportunities during the last one year. Also, new projects such as rural business hub and finishing schools were initiated by the department.

The Minister said that the department would continue the action plan for making the State free of wastes. It had already taken steps to popularise solid waste processing programme and extend sanitation facilities to more households, he added.

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