201) In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Karnataka Grama Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 which came into force as per the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution, our government is committed to strengthening of decentralization for the welfare of all weaker sections in the society. Through responsibility mapping, the functions allocated to the Grama Panchayats as per the 73rd amendment to the Constitution will be brought under the jurisdiction of the Grama Panchayat, thereby empowering people to find local solutions to local problems.
202) Even though the government of India projects the Jal Jeevan Mission as its own ambitious scheme, states have a bigger role in its implementation and financial contribution. The total amount estimated for this scheme is Rs. 73,434 crore, in which the share of the central government is Rs. 33,248 crore whereas the share of the state government will be Rs.40,186 crore. That means the Central Share is 45% and the state’s share is 55%. Therefore, in this scheme to provide tap water connections to every household, the state’s share is much higher.
203) There is need to bring reforms in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. Across the state there are complaints from public about the quality of the ongoing works to provide tap water connections and other aspects of the scheme. Regarding these complaints, a thorough inspection by a reputed external third party inspection agency will be undertaken to ascertain the quality of the works. If any faults or lapses are found in the implementation of the scheme, strict action will be taken against all those who are found guilty. Additionally, priority will be given to take up the works based on sustainable water sources. During the current year, it is proposed to provide tap water connections to 25 lakh households by implementing 118 multi–village drinking water supply schemes based on sustainable water sources.
204) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) is the world’s biggest employment generation Program, launched by the then UPA government. However, the central government has not only reduced the grants for this program, but also delayed payment of the wages to the labourers, by taking anti-poor stand. As on today, total cost of Rs.1,554 crore including material cost of Rs.1,258 crore and Rs.296 crore of labour cost is outstanding payment to be released by the central government. This has resulted in delay of payment for 8.63 lakh labourers towards payment of 81.50 lakh man days. In this background, we will pressurize the central government to discharge its responsibility duly and release the wages and material costs on time. From the current year, our government is going to implement the MGNREGA scheme with a new vision and in a more impactful manner.
205) Under NREGA scheme, 5,000 pasture lands and 50,000 acres of grasslands will be developed and 2 lakh drought relief works, 81,000 flood control works and 4,268 land slide mitigation works and works to develop burial grounds in 27,903 villages as Shanthidhamas will be taken up. Under Integrated School Development Program 5,000 school premises will be upgraded as Vidyadhamas. 750 rural markets and 27,000 borewell recharge works will be implemented.
206) Grama Panchayats libraries will be renamed as ‘Arivu Kendras’ and will provide various additional facilities such as digital learning materials, access to professional guidance, education about the Constitution, disabled- friendly technology and knowledge sharing by subject experts. Grama Panchayat libraries will now be open on weekends as well.
207) A large number of women are deprived of employment opportunities since they have the responsibility of looking after the family and small children. Hence, to create more employment opportunities for women and to provide health, nutrition and safety of children below 6 years of age, child care centers named ‘Koosina Mane’ (child shelter) will be opened in 4000 Gram Panchayats, in convergence with NREGA scheme and Women and Children Development Department.
208) In order to strengthen local administration in Kalyana Karnataka region, one skilled young graduate will be selected from each taluka for ‘Chief Minister’s Fellowship’ for a period of 24 months. It is proposed to provide Rs.10 crore for this scheme.
209) 400 community toilet complexes will be constructed at the cost of Rs. 25 lakh each in Kalyana Karnataka region. Proper arrangements will be made for their operation and maintenance. Rs.100 crore will be provided for this scheme.
210) In rural areas, for maintaining continuity in disposal and scientific management of dry waste, one material recovery facility will be built in 27 districts at the cost of Rs.2 crore each. Rs. 22 crore will be provided during this year for this purpose.