MP Kota Srinivas Poojary Urges Full Implementation of Central Government Schemes in Udupi
Udupi, Aug 03, 2024: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has directed officials to ensure 100% implementation of key Central Government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, Surya Ghar Yojana, and Kisan Samman Yojana.
During a review meeting held at his office in Manipal, Poojari emphasized that government schemes are introduced for the benefit of the public, and it is the responsibility of officials to raise awareness and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the intended benefits.
He noted that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana aims to support farmers in adopting advanced agricultural practices to improve crop health and yield, thereby enhancing their income. In the district, 1,79,452 farmers have applied for the scheme, with 1,62,344 receiving direct benefit transfers. He urged officials to facilitate the remaining 17,108 eligible farmers in accessing the benefits.
Poojary instructed officials to collect necessary details and documentation from the remaining farmers through agricultural assistants to overcome technical hurdles. He also stressed the importance of informing beneficiaries about the financial assistance they have received under the scheme.
The MP mentioned that a request has been made to the Agriculture Minister to extend the deadline for enrolling in the weather-based crop insurance scheme by one month, which has been approved. He urged officials to inform farmers about this extension and encourage them to take advantage of the crop insurance.
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen, focuses on skill enhancement, modern tools, financial assistance, and market access. So far, 14,756 people in the district have applied under this scheme, with local bodies recommending 12,394 applications to the district committee. The district committee has forwarded 7,233 applications to the state committee, with 6,324 of these receiving approval. Poojari urged officials to review the remaining applications and expedite their recommendation to the state committee.
He also called for prompt skill development training for the approved beneficiaries through government and non-government organizations, with loan facilities of up to Rs 1 lakh at an interest rate of 5%.
Poojary pointed out that commercial banks are charging an interest rate of 12% on loans of up to Rs 1 lakh, but beneficiaries only need to pay 5%, with the Central Government providing a subsidy of 7%. He added that a simple agreement on a Rs 500 stamp paper is sufficient for availing the financial assistance, and expressed concern over reports of some banks charging Rs 2,500. He urged the lead bank to issue guidelines to all banks to prevent such issues.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, solar power generation units are being installed on rooftops with subsidies, allowing households to produce up to 300 units of electricity for free. He called for increased public awareness to encourage more people to benefit from this scheme.
The MP also instructed officials to organize large-scale workshops for local representatives and the public to ensure these schemes reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.
The meeting was attended by Agricultural Department Deputy Director Chandrashekhar Naik, Joint Director of the Industries Department Nagaraj V. Naik, Joint Director Seetha, MESCOM Engineer Upadhyaya, and others.
