KOCHI: Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Prof P.J. Kurien has stressed the need to focus on schemes for the development of basic amenities along with mega infra projects like the metro. While inaugurating series of development projects in Kunnukara grama panchayat selected for the Union government’s Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana on Monday, Prof Kurien said along with urban infra development projects, housing, drinking water, toilets, hospitals and schools in rural areas should also get equal importance.
"Our development perspective should be able to fulfill the basic demands. Each rural household should have own drinking water tanks and solar panels to make them self-reliant. Funds will be provided to the Kunnukara Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana from my MP funds," he added. Prof K.V. Thomas MP, who recommended Kunnukara for the innovative development initiative, said agriculture-based projects would be implemented in the village as part of the scheme.
Prof Thomas had earlier recommended Kottuvally panchayat for the project which was adjudged the best Sansad Adarsh village. V.K. Ebrahim Kunju MLA presided over the function. Roji M John MLA, block panchayat president Sheena Sebastian, district panchayat member K.Y. Tomy and panchayat president Francis Tharayil also attended the event.
