Jagatsinghpur: Resentment brewed among the residents and elected representatives of Raghunathpur and Tirtol blocks here in Jagatsinghpur district over delay in release of funds under ‘Ama Gaon Ama Vikas’ programme.
They alleged that the programme, which aims to reach out to people in rural areas and involve themselves in developmental activities, is far away from its objectives. After two months of its implementation, funds is yet to be allocated to 29 panchayats of Tirtol and 19 panchayats of Raghunathpur blocks, they said.
In March, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had launched the programme at Palasol panchayat under Jagatsinghpur blocks and sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for construction of different projects.
Later, the state government decided to launch the program at block level instead of panchayats in Ragunathpur blocks in August.
Except Palasol, no panchayat has received funds for implementation of the programme, they added.
Tirtol Block Development Officer (BDO) Ranjan Kumar Parida said the CM has announced Rs 4.75 crore packages for implementation of different projects in 29 panchayat of the blocks. Though three months have passed, the funds are yet to be released, he added.
“Earlier we had given list of projects worth of Rs 21 lakh for the panchayat. The Chief Minister has announced Rs 3.75 crore development package for 19 panchayats in our block,’’ said Gualipur panchayat Sarpanch Janaki Ballabha Swain.