Focus on rural districts: KCR
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has shifted his focus on giving a facelift to rural districts by developing them on par with urban districts in the state. The KCR government has formulated special schemes for the development of the rural districts and compete with their urban counterparts by offering all facilities to the people in the future.
Nearly 15 districts, including Rajanna Siricialla from where Industry minister KT Rama Rao was elected MLA, have been identified under the new development programme. Strengthening of basic infrastructure like road network, drinking water supply, establishment of professional educational institutions, creation of advanced medical and health facilities and promoting investments to set up industries are among the main initiatives to be taken up in every identified rural district. Creation of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) is also part of the development of the rural districts.
Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Nagarkurnool, Nirmal, Jayashankar Bhupalpalle, Jogulamba Gadwal, Jagtial , Mancherial, Siricilla, Yadadri- Bhongir, Suryapet, Wanaparthy, Viakarabad, Nirmal, Peddapalli and Mahabubabad districts have been identified under the rural district development programme.
Sanction of a medical college in Suryapet, revival of Sirpur Paper Mills in Asifabad district, setting up of Institute of Driving Training and Research Institute (IDTRI) in Siricilla with Central funding, etc, were some of the initiatives taken up already.
Collectors have been instructed to prepare proposals on development potential in their respective districts and forward them to the CMO (Chief Minister’s Office), top officials in the Secretariat said, adding that the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA and UD) has taken up strengthening of the infrastructure in the identified Nagara Panchayats in the districts.
A masterplan is being prepared for every big panchayat and upgrade it as a municipality. The Planning department in coordination with Education and Medical and Health departments is identifying locations to set up higher and technical educational institutions like ITI, polytechnic and other professional institutions.
Funding for the development of education, health facilities and promotion of urbanisation will be provided on priority basis in the rural districts. After the re-organization of the districts in October 2016, the total number of districts have been increased to 31 from 10, officials said, adding that of the 21 new districts, majority are covered with 70 per cent rural habitations.
“The gap between rural and urban districts in the area of development needs to be reduced to maintain equilibrium. Rural districts will not develop without special programmes,” a senior official said. The Chief Minister will hold a meeting with all Collectors to discuss the development activities taking place in rural districts soon, he added.