PURA a model for nation, says Jairam Ramesh : The Hindu
Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh said the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Area (PURA) project being implemented in Tirurangadi grama panchayat was a guide and a model for the entire country.
Inaugurating the multi-crore project envisaged by the Union Ministry for Rural Development, Mr. Ramesh said the scheme would go a long way in uplifting the rural areas of the country.
PURA envisages holistic and accelerated development of compact areas around a potential growth centre in a grama panchayat, through a public private partnership (PPP) framework.
It is aimed at providing livelihood opportunities and urban amenities to improve the quality of life in rural areas. A tripartite agreement was singed on Friday between Tirurangadi grama panchayat, the District Rural Development Agency, and a company titled ‘Pura Tirurangadi.'
The company has been formed jointly by Infrastructure Kerala Ltd. (INKEL) and Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA).
The company will have to complete the project in three years, and manage it for another 10 years. The projects should be handed over to the grama panchayat after 10 years. As much as Rs.128 crore is to be spent in the panchayat in three years as part of the project.
Scheme in 8 panchayats
PURA was one of the schemes announced by the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam a few years ago. Apart from Tirurangadi and Talikulam panchayats in the State, eight other panchayats in different States are hosting the project.
The Union Ministry of Rural Development is sponsoring projects like village roads, village drains, water supply network, improving sustainability of water source, skill development, and solid waste management.
Schemes like village streetlights, cold storage, strengthening of market infrastructure, emergency care centres, rural BPOs, solid-waste managements, rural apparel parks, and coconut processing units are being promoted by other agencies.
Minister for Education P.K. Abdu Rabb presided over the function. Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer inaugurated the rural BPO centre. Minister for Rural Development and Culture K.C. Joseph inaugurated the drinking water projects.
E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, K.N.A. Khader, MLA, District Panchayat president Zuhara Mampad, the former minister for local administration K. Kutty Ahamed Kutty, and District Collector M.C. Mohandas spoke at the function.
External Source Title:
PURA a model for nation, says Jairam Ramesh
External Source Author:
staff reporter
External Source Publication:
The Hindu
External Source Link:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2930851.ece
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