Planning boards to get funds

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to give financial powers to the Regional Planning and Development Boards recently announced for the four regions in the state.

According to a proposal approved by the state cabinet here today, these boards can directly sanction works worth Rs 50 lakh in each of the Assembly segments under their jurisdiction.

They also authorised to recommend works related to drinking water and rural road schemes, which would be taken up with funds coming from Nabard and other central programmes.

The boards can also deal with projects under National Horticulture Mission and with the component provided for ground water recharge structures under the Prime Minister's package.