A proposal has been sent to the State government seeking Backward Region Grant Fund of the Central government for Visakhapatnam district, according to Zilla Praja Parishad Chairperson Lalam Bhavani.
Ms. Bhavani, who took over a few weeks ago, occupied the office on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, the Chairperson said the ZPP needed funds and the BRGF would be of great help if granted.
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A few districts in Andhra Pradesh like Srikakulam and Vizianagaram have been receiving the BRGF. A district would receive Rs. 25 crore a year for five years and the grant may be extended beyond five years.
Ms. Bhavani, who went round the district after being sworn in ZPP Chairperson, said she noticed that most of the schools do not have toilets and basic amenities and providing the same was her priority. Proposals were sought from the officials for improving amenities in schools.
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Drinking water was another area that needed attention, she said. An action plan was sought to develop roads under NREGS. The Backward Region Grant Fund was sought from the government considering the poor financial status of the ZPP.
According to an official, the general fund of the ZPP is around Rs. 5 crore and 35 per cent of it has to be allocated to general works, 9 per cent to drinking water, 15 per cent to SC welfare, 6 per cent each to SC and ST welfare, 15 per cent to women's welfare.
It also gets some amount under the XIII Finance Commission allocation which has to be spent only on water supply, while the State Finance Grant of Rs. 1 crore is also received but half of it has to be spent on schools and roads. Maintenance of school and other ZPP buildings can be taken under the general fund account.
The ZPP is always short of funds and a change can be seen if the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution is implemented in its full spirit, since funds under 29 departments have to be sent to the ZPP, feels a ZP official.