The Karnataka government has set aside Rs 500 crore for the 'Suvarna Gramodaya' scheme for the comprehensive development of select 1,000 villages in the state. The scheme will be launched on October 2. | |
| In the first phase, 590 villages will be taken up for all round development. "The aim is to upgrade the physical environment of the villages to improve the quality of life. We intend to fully develop the income-generating potential of land based activities," chief minister H D Kumaraswamy told reporters here on Tuesday. |
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| The scheme is also aimed at providing adequate infrastructure for human resources development, including education, health services and childcare facilities. |
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| These apart, improvement of roads, drains, water supply, land and water conservation and watershed development will be taken up. |
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| Under the programme, the government intends to develop at least 1,000 villages every year. |
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| "The state government will bear the expenditure for the first phase. We have sought financial assistance from the Centre for the subsequent phases," Kumaraswamy added. |
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| The project will be implemented on the basis of development plans to be prepared for each village. |
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| The draft plans will be discussed with the village community and the gram panchayat. "The suggestions of gram panchayats will be taken into account before finalising the development plans," he said. |
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| A high level committee, headed by the chief minister, will give policy directions, approve overall outlays and review the progress of the programme. |
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