A total of Rs.653 crore will be spent over five years for implementation of ‘Telangana Palle Pragathi’ programme to be launched soon for development of backward mandals in districts of Telangana State other than Hyderabad.
The programme was chosen for implementation in 4,950 villages of 150 mandals and will be jointly implemented by the State government in partnership with the World Bank. Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) will be the nodal agency for implementation.
The details of the programme were discussed at a review meeting by the Panchayat Raj Mnister K.T. Rama Rao with SERP officials here on Friday, a release said.
Of the funding, Rs.450 crore (US $ 75 million) will be offered as loan by the World Bank and Rs.203 crore (US $ 32 million) as grant by the State government.
Development of rural livelihoods and industry (Rs.272 Crore), improvement of human development indices (Rs.120 crore), village integrated service centres (Rs.64 crore), information and communication technology (Rs.120 crore), and project management (Rs.76 crore) were the broad heads under which the funds will be spent, the release added.
Under the programme, livelihood training will be offered to rural entrepreneurs and farmers’ cooperatives will be established towards collective bargaining, Mr. Rao informed. Further, rural outlets will be set up to develop marketing opportunities for farmers. Support will be given for dairy, sheep rearing, and growing of millets and paddy, he said.
Kiosks for integrated services will be opened in 1,000 villages where all citizens’ services will be offered, apart from cash transfers and payments pertaining to MNREG works and pensions. Applications and complaints from people will be accepted at the kiosks to be run exclusively by women, Mr. Rao added.
Source: The Hindu