With bypolls nearing, Rs 30 Crore scheme okayed

HYDERABAD: In a strategic move, the state government on Saturday issued orders sanctioning about Rs 30 crore for developmental works in six Assembly constituencies soon after the Election Commission of India declared its plans to announce schedule for byelections in 18 assembly constituencies within 10 days. Incidentally, the government did not hesitate to issue the orders on Saturday, a holiday on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanthi.Under the chief minister’s Special Development Fund for Welfare and Developmental Activities, administrative sanction has been given for developmental works worth `29.66 crore to the assembly constituencies of Rayachoti (Kadapa), Ongole (Prakasam), Narsapuram (West Godavari), Parkal (Warangal), Payakaraopeta (Visakhapatnam) and Rayadurg (Anantapur). About `500 crore has been allocated for the Special Development Fund in the Budget 2012-13 where the funds will be released only after obtaining the permission from the chief minister.The ruling Congress’ main election plank is development. In tune with that, the funds were sanctioned for developmental activities in assembly segments where the bypolls are due.The funds were released as per the request of the local MLCs which is being viewed as a poll strategy by the chief minister.