Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

`Revise project guidelines'

Special Correspondent

State plea to Union Government

Thiruvananthapuram: The Government has appealed for a revision of the eligibility conditions of projects to be implemented in the State with Central Government assistance.

In a memorandum submitted to Union Minister for Rural Development Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammed Kutty said the Central assistance of Rs.25,000 for construction of a house under the Indira Awaz Yojana was woefully inadequate for Kerala.

"The pioneer of the low-cost housing concept, Laurie Baker, has estimated that building a 25 sq. m house in Kerala will cost Rs.71,160," he said. The memorandum urged the Centre to revise the assistance for the State in view of the high input costs.

Mr. Kutty proposed that the agricultural operations in paddy fields of small and marginal farmers be included in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). This, he said, would have the twin benefits of enhancing food production and ensuring water balance through proper maintenance of paddy fields.

The Minister also stressed the need to take up construction of houses for BPL families and anganwadis under the NREGA.

In another memorandum, Mr. Kutty urged the Centre to revise the guidelines for construction of latrines in rural areas. He said such a revision would help to address the environmental problems caused by latrines.

The State has appealed to the Union Government to permit 25 per cent of the total Plan fund allocation to be used for solid waste management. It has also called for funds to protect open wells. As many as 10 lakh wells across the State need to be protected. Mr. Kutty called for a subsidy of Rs.3,000 per well.

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