Govt advances deadline for Ambedkar village project

In the current financial year,2,195 villages were selected for development as Ambedkar villages by March 2010. Progress reports received by the government,however,narrated a different story. Till November 10,only 7 per cent villages had received electricity,6 per cent got concrete roads,sodium lights were installed in five per cent villages and only 21 per cent got toilets. Under the Indira Awaas Yojna for the poor,12 per cent houses had been built.

Principal Secretary of Ambedkar Gram Vikas Department,Balvinder Kumar,said: “All departments have been asked to ensure that work is are completed by December 31.” In areas where the tender process was delayed due to by-elections,the departments have been allowed to complete work by January 2010,he added.

In May,immediately after the Lok Sabha elections,the government had asked the departments to complete 55 per cent of the works — except concrete roads and drains — by October and 70 per cent by November. The entire project had to be completed by January 2010. Due to the initial delay in supply of construction material and dispute over land,the deadline was revised in August. While departments were directed to complete at least 20 per cent work of electrification and 40 per cent work of installation of sodium lights by November,the deadline for entire project was extended to March 31,2010.

“Since the project is far behind the target,the deadline has been advanced to create a sense or urgency among the departments,” said an official.