Rs 1,346 cr to develop 4K km rural roads

CHENNAI: “To market produce of farmers and reach schools and hospitals from rural hamlets, new roads for 2,750 km will be laid. In addition, 800 km of cement concrete roads and 800 km of paver block roads will be laid. The total estimate is Rs 1,346 crore,” Periyakaruppan said.

Around 1,200 km of village roads will be upgraded to allow vehicle movement with the funding from state and Central government at Rs. 874 crore. By utilising Jal Jeevan funds and 15th Finance Commission funds, water connections to 12.5 lakh households in 21,728 rural hamlets in 37 districts will be provided at Rs 1,261 crore, he announced.

Giving a fillip to e-Governance in rural areas, the government will train panchayat presidents and secretaries to use computers and internet. The project will be implemented at Rs 125 crore.

“Building plan approvals, layout approvals and approvals for industries will be given online under single window system. A system will be implemented to ensure payment of taxes and other charges, electricity bills and water charges through online,” he said.

The government will award industries who contribute to development of rural areas under corporate social responsibility. The award will comprise Rs 1 lakh and certificate, he said.