Shimla, September 3, 2015: Health and Revenue Minister Shri Kaul Singh Thakur has demanded the Government of India to carry out the ongoing settlement work in the State through satellite keeping in view the tough geographical conditions. He raised this demand with the Union Rural Development Minister Shri Birender Chaudhary at New Delhi today.
He apprised the Union Minister that the settlement work in this hilly State was being carried out in a traditional manner and there were possibilities of error which causes problems to the people. Therefore, keeping in view the difficult topographical conditions of the State, this work should be completed through satellite. He also requested that the expenditure on this work be borne by the Central Government and State Government in the ratio of 90:10 respectively.
The Minister informed that at present the settlement work was being carried out in selected villages of Sirmaur, Mandi and Kangra districts on trial basis.
Shri Kaul Singh Thakur also raised the issue of release of insufficient amount under MNREGA to the State adding that the remaining amount should be released at the earliest so that the pace of development could be maintained besides providing the employment avenues to the needy persons.
He said the Union Government had also cut down the financial assistance to the State under PMGSY. He urged for approval of detailed project reports (DPRs) of various road projects lying pending with the Central Government.
The Minister informed the State had suffered a loss of around Rs.7000 crore due to damage to roads and agricultural crops during current monsoon. The State would soon submit a memorandum in this regard to the Union Government.
Shri Birender Chaudhary assured of all possible financial assistance to the State. He also assured that the pending DPRs of all road projects of the State would be given approval at the earliest.