Odisha ahead of others in Rurban execution

Odisha has emerged as number one State in execution of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission in the field level at 10 different clusters in two phases by now, claimed an official release.

It was revealed at the missions State level implementation committee held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary AP Padhi. Various developmental programmes have been undertaken at different clusters named as livelihood, textile, handicrafts, tourism, agri-entreprise, horticulture, turmeric and maize clusters. A total of  `675 crore has been estimated to be spent for development of the clusters.

The Chief Secretary advised officers to emphasise on inter-department coordination for successful implement of the programmes.

He directed to ensure that families in each Rurban cluster gets six basic needs like house, piped water, electricity, streetlight and toilets. Every cluster should be made open defecation-free zones, said Padhi.

Besides, he asked officers to undertake activities for solid waste management, enhancing quality education and health institutes, promoting use of bio fertiliser and process of agriculture products.

It was also revealed that four more places have been identified for making Rurban clusters. They are Jaleswar in Baleswar district, Kuanmunda in Sundargarh, Sadar block in Koraput and Gunupur in Rayagada district.

The mission aimed at transforming rural areas to economically, socially and physically sustainable spaces is funded by both the State and Union Governemnts. While 70 per cent of funds come out of various schemes of the State and the Union Governemnts, 30 per cent is contributed as ‘critical gap’ fund by both the Governments on the ratio of 60:40.