Srinagar, Oct 18: Asserting that rural development has an important role to play in the normalisation process in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre today said it would provide Rs 264 crore to the state for the purpose during the current fiscal. "Looking at the performance of the state government in utilising the funds during last fiscal, we will provide Rs 183 crore to Jammu and Kashmir for 2003-04 besides an additional Rs 81 crore under the Prime Minister's special package," Union Minister for Rural Development Kashi Ram Rana told reporters after holding the consultative meeting of his ministry here.

Rural development has an important role to play in normalisation of situation in the state and the Centre would fully support the coalition government in its efforts, he said. "After all, people want good roads, safe drinking water and other infrastructure."

Rana, who was accompanied by minister of state for rural development Krishna Raju, hoped that the state government would take full advantage of the funds provided to them and utilise them properly.

"We have been assured by the concerned ministers of the state that they will speed up the implementation of various schemes for rural development for proper utilisation of funds. We suggest setting up of vigilance monitoring committee, headed by the local member of parliament, for effective implementation as is prevalent in other states," he said.
Rana said there was need to create awareness among the people on the schemes for rural development for greater participation of the masses. "Transparency is also needed while implementing the schemes."
Bureau Report