An agency affiliated to the Union Government will evaluate the quality of implementation of various works in backward taluks under the Special Development Plan launched about six years ago to eliminate regional imbalances, as per the recommendations of a High-Power Committee on Regional Imbalances headed by late D.M. Nanjundappa.
The Government has spent Rs. 10,421 crore (as on December 31, 2012) under the Special Development Plan to eliminate regional imbalances.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Chairman of High-Level Committee to Oversee the Implementation of the Special Development Plan Trivikram Joshi said that experts of the agency would evaluate various works taken up in 114 backward taluks in north and south Karnataka.
Based on the recommendations of the evaluation report, the term of the Special Development Plan would be extended and modified, he said.
The panel has asked the government to set up a permanent monitoring committee headed by an official of the rank of Chief Engineer to inspect works executed by various agencies in the taluks.
Karnataka Development Programme meetings are now discussing works executed under the Special Development Plan.
Review
Mr. Joshi reviewed the progress of various works with principal secretaries of 21 departments on January 28.
The panel has submitted a proposal seeking allocation of Rs. 2,900 crore in the state budget for 2013-14. So far, the fund utilisation was satisfactory, he said.
Of the Rs. 118 crore unspent money, Rs. 80 crore would be diverted to the Transport Department and Rs. 18 crore to the Forest Department this year (2012-13).
The Transport Department would utilise it for construction of bus stands in north Karnataka, Mr. Joshi said.
Though Rs. 3 crore had been sanctioned for growing fodder to overcome shortage during drought, only Rs. 2.40 lakh had been spent so far. The minority communities department has been asked to utilise the funds for buying computers in hostels and imparting vocational education, he said.
As per the recommendations of the Dr. Nanjundappa Committee, the State had to spend Rs. 31,000 crore — Rs. 16,000 crore as special grants and Rs. 15,000 crore through regular budgetary support in eight years.
