Minister for Large- and Medium-Scale Industries Jagadish Shettar has directed officials to prepare an action plan within 10 days for utilisation of ₹150 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana (MGNVY).
Mr. Shettar, who chaired a review meeting here on Monday, asked the officials to prepare an action plan by giving preference to works to be taken up on priority in the twin cities and involving elected representatives in the process. The Minister also suggested taking repair of roads and bridges heavily damaged owing to excessive rain, under MGNVY funds. “Bridges and roads could be repaired utilising ₹45 crore under the MGNVY,” he said.
Clarifying that if no immediate funds were available for repairs of roads and bridges, MGNVY funds could be utilised for the purpose. “I will speak to the PWD Secretary to allocate funds for bridge reconstruction and road repairs,” he said.
Elaborating on the need for fund allocation to different works, Municipal Commissioner Suresh Itnal said funds for SC/ST welfare, contribution for AMRUT scheme, bulk water improvement, and traffic improvement had to be given under the MGNVY. Mr. Itnal also emphasised the need for allocating funds for improving the condition of the storm-water drains in the twin cities.
Pointing out the lack of cultural halls in the twin cities, Basavaraj Horatti, MLC, stressed the need for allocating funds for rebuilding the town hall in Hubballi and fixing nominal rent for cultural programmes. He also stressed the need for ensuring quality in the development works carried out in the twin cities and setting up a foolproof mechanism.
Meanwhile, MLAs Prasad Abbayya and Arvind Bellad took exception to allocating funds for AMRUT scheme and asked the officials to get clarification on whether contribution was mandatory for AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation).
Mr. Shettar told the meeting that a committee involving morning walkers, apart from officials, would be formed for extending the green cover at Nrupatunga Hill. Steps would also be taken to expedite the work on the multi-purpose exhibition centre at APMC yard at Amargol, he said.
MLA Amrut Desai, MLC Shrinivas Mane, and Deputy Commissioner Deepa Cholan participated.
