Sagar for special dispensation to JK under IWMP, Udaan & Himayat

New Delhi: Stressing for giving a special dispensation to the state under Integrated Water Management Programme (IWMP), the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that the same is essential for its proper implementation keeping in view the topography and varied weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister wasspeaking at the National Conference of the Ministries of the Nodal Departments for IWMP at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Union Minister for Rural Development Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh, Rural Development Ministers of different statesof the country were also  present.

Mr. Sagar whilestressing for the need of capacity building and institutional development saidthat it will help for the greater sustained livelihood of the rural areas. Hesaid that funds earmarked by the Union Government should be utilizedjudiciously ensuring the proper implementation of the scheme besides requestingthe Centre to be more benevolent while extending the requisite funds.

The Minister said that under IWMP an amount of Rs 2300 crore has been approved to the state for treatment of 15.33 lakh hectares of land covering   998 Micro water sheds. He said that 41projects have already been sanctioned amounting Rs.269 crores for 130 Micro water sheds covering an area of1.79 lakh hectares and DPRs of more projects would be prepared soon.

Referring to the flagship programmes of Udaan and Himayat, the Minister expressed hope that thelarger number of youth would avail the benefits under these schemes andmaintained that it is the endeavour of the government to ensure the proper andsustained implementation of these. “We also request the Central Government tobe more generous to the state as it has passed through troubled times andexpects more  generosity of the union togive special packages”, he maintained.

The minister alsothanked the Union Ministry for increasing the quantum of assistance underIndividual Household latrines (IHL) from Rs 3500to 10,000 and expressed hopethat it would go a long way in ensuring better sanitation of the rural areas.

While intervening, theUnion Minister assured that the special dispensation would be provided to thestate under Himayat and Udaan for the greater benefit of the people of thestate and their request for extending more benefits to the under developed anddegraded areas under IWMP would also be looked into.