Centre cannot discriminate the state governments in a federal set up: H K Patil

MYSORE: Minister for rural development H K Patil on Monday denied that the flow of funds from the centre under MNREGA has not decreased and the new government has released Rs 616 crore till date.
Talking to reporters here, he said in a federal set up the government at the centre cannot discriminate between the state government or stop the release of funds to the state governments of other parties.
He said the state rural development department has embarked on the task of building ten lakh toilets in the rural areas and by this month end department has already issued work orders for 5 lakh toilets. He said there are 50 lakh households in the state which have no toilets and by 2018 the state government is determined to build toilets in all the housesin the state. "By 2018 state will be freed of open defecation menace," he added.
In reply to a question, Patil said the chief minister has aired his opinion on the three tier PR system and felt that two tier system is good for the state. "But we will decide on the future of TPs only after the submission of report by Rameshkumar committee which is working over time to suggest measures to improve and strengthen the PR system in the state” he said and added: no guessing could be done on the issue as it all depends on the committee recommendations. Minister denied that reverting back to two tier system of PR will defeat the dream and conviction of late Rajiv Gandhi who strongly argued for three tier system and brought in 73rd amendment to constitution in this regard.
Patil said one should not be rigid on the laws or the systems, as society changes, there should be evolution of laws to suit the best needs of the situation and people. "Any change is good for the people and dynamism always reflects development," he pointed out.
In reply to a question, minister said it is the prerogative of the chief minister to fill the cabinet posts or reshuffle it. Whenever he feels it fit, he carries out the exercise with the guidance from the party high command, he said.