Kolkata: The World Bank would extend an
interest-free loan of Rs 1,000 crore to the West Bengal
government for the development of the state's panchayat areas.
A memorandum of understanding in this regard was today
signed by the World Bank and the West Bengal government's
Panchayat and Rural Development department.
The panchayat and rural development minister of the
state, Anisur Rahman, who was present during the signing of
the MoU, said, "The money will be utilised in 1000 gram
panchyats of the state and 80 per cent of the money will be
used for the development of panchayat areas."
The remaining 20 per cent of the money will be utilised
on training, infrastructural development and income generation
schemes, Rahman said.
The country director for India of the World Bank, Roberto
Zagha, and the officials of the West Bengal Government
Panchayat and Rural Development department were present on the
occasion.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 22:08