Central package for KBK districts

BHUBANESWAR, July 18: Union Minister of State for Surface Transport Dr Debendra Pradhan on Friday said the Central government would announce a special package for Orissa8217;s Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput districts, popularly known as the quot;KBKquot; districts. In a statement, the minister said the plan for the KBK districts was in the final stage of formulation. The special package 8212; with a larger financial outlay 8212; would ensure uninterrupted funding to expedite the process of development in the three poverty stricken districts, he added.

Reiterating his government8217;s commitment to the state8217;s development, Pradhan pointed out that PM A B Vajpayee had sent a high-powered team to the KBK districts to know the ground realities. The committee8217;s findings had been quot;harshquot;, he recalled, referring to the report on the continued sale of children in the three districts.

While the Planning Commission is busy giving final touches to the package, the plan will emphasise effective utilisation of resources and avoidance ofwastage and misuse. The action plan would stress on increased funding, stricter implementation schedules, better monitoring and stringent evaluation procedures, he added.

It may be recalled that A Nayar, secretary in the Prime Minister Office, had visited the state in May and discussed with senior government officials a long-term action plan for the KBK districts. He had advised the government to submit a revised plan focusing on core sectors for sustainable development. Accordingly, the government submitted a Rs 6061.83 crore plan to the Centre in June. It was proposed to be implemented within a period of nine years from 1998-99 to 2006-2007 and laid emphasis on agriculture, horticulture and welfare of scheduled castes.