Lack of funds hits Ayyankali Scheme

KOCHI: With the state government yet to sanction funds, the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, launched almost a year ago, is still stuck in the files of local bodies.No effective measures have been initiated to implement the scheme in the state, except in Ernakulam and Thrissur where they have managed just the initial phase. However, these districts too could not make any advancement owing to the lack of funds. In Tripunithura, where the scheme was on the verge of being put into practice, it had to be suspended for the very same reason.  Besides, the local bodies across the state are not willing to take up this scheme as the workers have to be paid wages within 15 days, which is difficult under the present circumstances, according to sources with the Rural Development Department.Although the Kochi Corporation has made every arrangement to launch the project, it has not been able to go ahead owing to inadequate funds, said sources in the Corporation. “We have been in a launch mode for a month. But, we could not move forward as the Corporation is awaiting a nod from the government regarding the allotment of funds,” the sources said.  The scheme, if implemented could be of immense help as the projects that come under it, like waste disposal, digging for foundation-laying, cleaning of canals and drains, are fundamental to the infrastructural development of an area.“This scheme is definitely of great advantage. We have requested the state government to release more funds in this regard,” said a project director of the Poverty Alleviation Unit, Kakkanad, under the Rural Development Department.The previous government had earmarked about `20 crore for the project in the last year’s annual budget. But the sources with the RDD revealed that they have received only a minimal amount, which could only cover the preliminary works.Sabina Paul, Additional Secretary, Kochi Corporation, also maintained that the project was not progressing at a fast rate. “The project is yet to become full-fledged and is also getting delayed,” she said.Sabina Paul also said the corporation has submitted the project to the District Planning Committee.