Development grant for poorest taluka spent on security training

In 2006,the government had also sanctioned Rs 2 crore for each of these 30 backward talukas. But the ground reality at Kwant shows that funds are not being properly utilised,to the extent that the funds released for 2006-07 have lapsed,according to Kwant taluka officials.

There are no specialist doctors at the Community Health Centres and the broken roads have not seen much development since 2004. The only work,which is evident in the taluka is security training provided by the Naswadi-based Gayatri Seva Trust (GST) in 2008-09.

When inquired as to what the NGO did,GST president Dharmendrasinh Solanki said: “We trained tribals in batches of 35,probably between November 2008 and January 2009. We managed to train 70 youths.” He added that the NGO was given Rs 6 lakh for imparting the training.

“We have utilised the funds in providing basic amenities such as food and lodging,” he said.

When asked if the youths are placed in a security firm,he said: “Some returned after being placed,as the job did not suit them,because they originally belong to Kwant.”

Social Justice and Welfare Officer I B Chaudhary,who had sanctioned Rs 6 lakh from the Cowlagi fund,refused to comment when asked as to why the task was given if it did not suit the youths.

Incidentally,Gujarat Information Department Commissioner Bhagyesh Jha is responsible for keeping tabs on the funds released and proposals made under the Cowlagi report on an annual basis.

Meanwhile,Kwant officials have little to show about the work done for the taluka’s development,except for the proposals made during 2008-09. Funds for 2006-07 had lapsed and those meant for 2007-08 were used on security training.

Elsewhere,funds for this year have not been released so far despite the fact that several proposals have been suggested,such as issuing Rs 5 lakh for telemedicine for Kwant CHC per annum,and small works such as constructing approach roads,setting up work sheds,installing motors for bore wells and the like.

On his part,Kwant Development Officer Z N Garsia said: “I have been recently transferred here. I am unaware about the present status.”

The Vadodara district authorities and Jha shrugged off responsibility of the scheme,saying that they were not in charge in 2006-07. But they said they are planning for water supply project in 133 villages,which will cost nearly Rs 110 crore.

About the lapse of funds during 2006-07,Jha refused to comment. He said: “We have a major water supply scheme under discussion under this scheme for the taluka.”

Vadodara District Collector Vijay Nehra said: “I will inquire although I was not in charge of this scheme. I had called a meeting with the taluka development officers for discussion of schemes on issues at Kwant taluka during 2007-08. The meeting was convened for the utilisation of funds under the Cowlagi report recommendations.”

He added: “I had discussed about drinking water supply in Kwant taluka under Cowlagi’s funds. We had only Rs 1 crore and we wanted to supply water to 133 villages. The requirement of funds was to the tune of Rs 110 crore. Therefore,we have sent proposals to the Gujarat Water Supply and Sewage Board.”

Elsewhere at Kwant CHC,Dr A K Gajjar said: “Yes,I am aware that there was a meeting on the suggestion about starting the telemedicine service from 2008-09 onwards from the funds released under the Cowlagi report. But at least the staff shortage should be solved first. How will the telemedicine work,if there are no specialists at the CHC?”