Rs 49 cr to solve water crisis

BANGALORE: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDPR) Minister, Jagadish Shettar, on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that Rs 49.2 crore had been released to solve the problem of drinking water shortage.

The money was released to the task forces headed by MLAs, he said.

Replying to a question raised by JD(S) member, Shivalinge Gowda, during the Question Hour, the Minister said the funds released would reach local officers in a couple of days.

Shettar said that Rs 35.2 crore had been released for the task forces and Rs 14 crore to take up immediate relief measures to ensure drinking water supply in the 86 droughtprone taluks.

The Minister assured members that the government was willing to release any amount of funds to ensure drinking water supply and other relief works that needed to be taken this summer.

Govt panel to check corruption in NREGS

In an effort to prevent corruption in implementation of the NREGS the state government has decided to appoint Ombudsmen and Vigilance Squads in each district.

RDPR Minister Jagadish Shettar, informed the Assembly on Wednesday that the government had also decided to order for a social audit to ensure proper implementation of the scheme.

Jagadish Shettar said that action had been taken against 115 officers for lapses in implementing the NREGS.