Karnataka govt. has failed to utilise Central funds': Kharge

23.03.10 Mangalore : Union Minister for Labour and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge today alleged that the ruling BJP Government in Karnataka had failed to utilise the funds sanctioned by the Centre for various developmental activities.

''The Union government has sanctioned Rs 22,536 crore under various schemes to be utilised over seven years. But so far, the Karnataka Government has utlised only Rs 3,500 crore,'' he added.

Talking to newspersons here, he said though the BJP was in power since last 44 months, including 20 months in coalition with JD(S), the utilisation of Central funds was very less. ''The BJP government was only blaming the Centre and not taking up development works,'' the minister alleged.

He said against Rs 332 crore sanctioned for Transport development and Administration, only 44 per cent of that (Rs 147 crore) has been spent. Against Rs 643 crore sanctioned for Starm Water Drainage development only Rs 263 Crore was spent.

With regard to release of Rs 200 crore for underground drainage construction and Rs 471 crore sanctioned for drinking water supply, the utilisation was nil, he alleged.