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HUDA model body planned for rural areas

Special Correspondent

Panchayati Raj institutions given Rs. 700 crores; local body can get work done up to Rs.3 lakhs

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday disclosed that he was planning to set up a Haryana Rural Development Authority (HRDA) on the pattern of the Haryana Urban Development Authority to ensure overall development of rural areas.

Talking to Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, their members and sarpanches of Hisar district at a " Seedha Samvad'' (straight dialogue) programme at his residence here, Mr. Hooda reiterated that his government was committed to restore the powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

He said the Government had provided Rs. 700 crores to the PRIs.

He asserted that the panchayats could get works done up to a cost of Rs.3 lakhs.

It had also been ensured that funds went direct to their accounts.

The announcement that the Government had decided to abolish the law under which those having more than two children were not eligible to contest the election of a sarpanch was hailed by the crowd.

Mr. Hooda announced that sports stadiums would be constructed in big villages to channel the energies of the youth. Also, residential sectors would be developed in villages having a population of more than 10,000 and these residential pockets would have facilities at part with urban areas.

"Chaupals of members belonging to the Scheduled Castes would be repaired. Also, the buildings of over 2,600 veterinary institutions would be repaired within the next one-and-a-half years," he said.

Mr. Hooda asserted that his regime had taken several steps to realise the dream of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to ensure empowerment of PRIs. He recalled that there was a time in the recent past when the powers of panchayats were centralised as his predecessor used to undertake those works which were basically to be undertaken by panchayats.

Mr. Hooda called upon people's elected representatives to render their services with dedication and ensure that each paisa was utilised judiciously even while investing funds.

In case they found any government official indulging in corrupt practices, they should get him nabbed red-handed, he added.

While stating that he was aware of the two basic problems of power and unemployment, he said that when he became Chief Minister last year the availability of power was 4,033 MW of which the State's own generation was 2,000 MW and the remaining was coming from outside. This was against the demand for 8,000 MW to 9,000 MW.

His Government was taking steps to generate at least 5,000 MW of additional power in the next three-and-a-half years. Then the people in rural areas would get at least 20 to 22 hours of power even in peak season.

About unemployment, Mr. Hooda said the special economic zones would provide ample employment opportunities. He added that Rs.2 lakh crores would be invested in the next four-five years and 10 lakh jobs would be created.

He listened to the villagers' grievances individually and in several cases directed officials to take prompt remedial action.

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