Kharge and Siddaramaiah to Launch ₹5,200-Crore Rural Development Scheme

Kharge and Siddaramaiah to Launch ₹5,200-Crore Rural Development Scheme

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 23, 2025: The AICC President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will launch a ₹5,200-crore rural development scheme next Saturday, said Priyank Kharge, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj in Mangaluru on Feb 22. The scheme, announced in the 2024-25 Budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aims to develop 50 kilometers of roads in each of the 189 rural Assembly constituencies with external assistance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kharge highlighted the government’s target under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) to provide 13 crore man-days of work by the end of this financial year. He noted that 47 lakh individuals from 27 lakh families have already benefited from the scheme’s initiatives.

Karnataka Leads in Devolution Index
The Minister stated that Karnataka topped the overall Devolution Index rankings, as per the Centre’s report titled Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking, released on February 13. He praised the state government’s commitment to empowering rural communities through effective governance.

Koosina Mane and Other Welfare Initiatives
Under the ‘Koosina Mane’ childcare scheme for working women, over 3,000 centers have been established across the State, catering to 47,000 children. The Minister assured that there is no shortage of funds for such initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized families.

For flood relief, the State government has allocated ₹10 crore to each of the 189 Assembly constituencies. Additionally, panchayats have recorded a remarkable revenue collection of ₹1,100 crore this year. The Minister also lauded the efficient functioning of solid waste treatment plants in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and announced plans to set up 5,000 such plants across the State.

Guidance for Panchayat Personnel
Addressing panchayat personnel, Mr. Kharge urged them to adopt the principles of ‘Spandane’ (response), ‘Samanvayate’ (coordination), ‘Samaya Pragne’ (time consciousness), ‘Parinamakari Anustana’ (effective implementation), and ‘Honegaarike’ (accountability) to ensure the effective delivery of services to the public.

The Minister emphasized the importance of events like Hombelaku, which foster camaraderie among personnel and enhance their ability to serve the community better.