State thinking to pay dues by itself: Khader

• MGNREGA: Centre yet to clear Rs 2,059 crore bill

Mangaluru: The union government has not yet released the Rs 2,059 crore money against the work done in the state under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Hence the state government is thinking of bearing the expense by itself, informed state minister for for Urban Development and Housing and Mangaluru district in-charge minister U T Khader at a press conference.

The total bill of the works undertaken under the MGNREGA is Rs 10,000 and excluding Rs 2059 crore, the remaining amount has been provided. The then UPA government had passed a rule as per which the work bill was supposed to be submitted within 15 days. By delaying to provide the amount, the central government itself is violating the rules, he accused.

Drinking water: No limit to expenses

Of the grant provided to the GP’s by the government through the14th Finance Commission, there was a condition that only 20% of the amount was supposed to be spent on drinking water. Since the state is facing a state of drought, the government had changed the condition and ordered that any amount could be spent for providing drinking water quickly, he said.

Special grant released for drinking water

Taking into consideration of the severe drought in the state, a special grant has been released by the state government to the taluks and local institutions for fulfilling drinking water requirements. Order has been passed for the release of Rs 1 crore for 100 taluks respectively, Rs 50 lakh for 62 taluks respectively and Rs 25 lakh for 14 taluks respectively. Accordingly Rs 50 lakhs will be provided to the 7 taluks in Dakshina Kannada district respectively. Already Rs 25 lakh has been released. If there is a need in the future more grant will be released, informed Mr Khader.

Rs 50 lakh will be provided to city corporations respectively, Rs 25 lakh will be provided to municipalities respectively and Rs 10 lakh will be provided to town panchayats respectively. Other than this grant, there is Rs 5 crore in the account of the district commissioner for fulfilling emergency waster requirements.

Solar rule relaxed

Till now, there were a few hindrances in the installation of solar panels on the roof of buildings in the city. With the aim to encourage the use of solar power in the state, the urban development department has decided to relax the rule and henceforth, solar panels can be installed on the roofs of any building by taking permission, he informed.

MLA’s are in contact

The 5 unsatisfied MLA’s of Congress party along with all MLA’s are in contact with the leaders. BJP MLA’s too are in contact, said U T Khader.

Let the traitors be incarcerated

Mahatma Gandhi is the soul of India. On one side PM Modi is bowing before the statue of Gandhi while on the other side, the workers of a BJP associated organization Hindu Mahasabha had shooting the picture of Gandhi. What message are they trying to give to the world thorough this action? Why ios BJP maintaining silence asked Khader. If they actually respect Gandhi, let them arrest the traitors, he said expressing his anger.