NANJANGUD (MYSORE DISTRICT): T he Government will adopt 1,000 villages every year to bring about comprehensive development in rural areas, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has said. The programme will be implemented from November 1.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stones and launching nearly 30 development works in Nanjangud at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 crore, on Thursday.

Each village under the scheme would be sanctioned up to Rs. 1 crore for basic amenities including sanitation, drinking water facility and power supply, he said.

During its six months in power, the Janata Dal (Secular)-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition had focussed on development. The launch of works in Nanjangud was an indication of this, he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy brushed aside criticism that his rural camp programme was a publicity stunt.

"I have to ascertain if the officials are functioning properly and get first-hand information of the problems plaguing the people in rural areas. I will continue with my rural camps even when I am not in power," he said.

The programme to adopt villages would be continued in phases every year, the Chief Minister said.

Focus on women

The Government would focus on women, girl children and the Dalit community. Special programmes for their economic empowerment would be launched at the hobli levels. These would include distribution of sewing machines for women and helping Stree Shakti groups find a market for their products, he said.

Kabini project

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Government would soon take a decision on the Kabini second stage project. He launched work for a mini Vidhana Soudha at Nanjangud, which would be completed at a cost of Rs. 4.75 crore.

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