No compromise on ODF targets: Minister

Chittoor: Industries minister N Amaranath Reddy on Saturday expressed displeasure over the officials and public representatives for not achieving the set targets of open defecation free (ODF) scheme in the district.

Highlights:

•   Industries minister N Amaranath Reddy express displeasure over the officials and public representatives for not achieving the set targets of open defecation free (ODF) scheme in the district   
•   Says serious action will be initiated against the implementing agencies if they failed to achieve targets by February-end

According to minister, though Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu set a target to complete ODF scheme before March 10 to achieve the first position in the country, the performance of officials and elected representatives in respect to achieve the targets is said to be quite disappointing and the district registered last position in the state. 

Reviewing the progress of ODF scheme with the officials concerned at Baireddipalli on Saturday, the minister expressed serious concern over the lapses in the implementation of ODF scheme in the district. Serious action against the implementing agencies of scheme would be initiated if they failed to achieve targets by February-end, he cautioned.

Amaranath Reddy said out of set target of 5.0 lakh units of ODF, the district has achieved only 2 lakh units. “Chittoor district is figured in the last rank in the completion of individual latrines. If we fail to achieve the targets in the scheme, we have to forego several benefits from Central government in future,” he said.

He made it clear the government was not going to compromise in achieving the targets of ODF at any cost and added the elected representatives should keep a tab on the progress of ODF in their respective jurisdiction. A war footing drive should be initiated to achieve the targets of ODF scheme involving people, the minster stressed.