The state government programme for accelerated development and poverty reduction in backward regions, launched earlier under the banner of ‘Biju Kandhamal O Gajapati Yojana (BKGY), has taken off in Kandhamal and Gajapati districts.
After receipt of various project proposals from the district collectors and due perusal, the state planning and co-ordination department has submitted them for approval of the government. The scheme, envisaging yearly allocation of Rs 28.5 crore, was launched under the state plan during the current fiscal and funds were allocated in the supplementary budget for 2009-10.
Funds available under the scheme can be used alongside other programmes and other sources of funds in ‘convergence mode’ to enhance effectiveness of different flagship programmes and attaining Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The progress of the scheme was reviewed in a high level meeting chaired by the chief minister Naveen Patnaik today.
Sources said, the government has prepared action plan for Kandhamal and Gajapati districts under BKGY. The projects proposed in the action plan for Kandhamal included fifty one road projects, eleven projects for creation of irrigation and drinking water sources, two rural electrification and street lighting projects, setting up a 100 seated ST Girls Hostel, multi-purpose Anganwadi Centres among others.
Out of Rs 8 crore proposed to be spent during this fiscal in Kandhamal, Rs 6.38 crore would be spent on road projects, Rs 1.68 crore on irrigation and drinking water projects and Rs 26 lakh on rural electrification.
Similarly, the action plan for Gajapati envisages implementation of eleven road projects, 205 irrigation and drinking water projects and seven livelihood support projects with irrigation facilities at six sites.
Out of Rs 10.5 crore proposed to be spent in the district, Rs 1.8 crore would be spent on road projects, Rs 7.89 crore on irrigation and drinking water projects and Rs 81.45 lakh on livelihood support programmes.
BKGY aims at focusing on rural electrification and street lighting, construction of culverts, bridges and roads for improving inter-village and intra-village connectivity and livelihood initiatives. The livelihood initiatives included support for sustainable income and employment generating activities, development of livelihood sectors and self help groups (SHGs).