Kerala Local Bodies Used 87.37pc Of Plan Funds In 2007-08

Thiruvananthapuram: The local bodies in Kerala have used up 87.37 per cent of the Plan funds in 2007-08 under the Eleventh Plan people''s planning programme. The Minister for Local Administration, Mr Paloli Mohammed Kutty, said here on April 2 that out of Rs 1,574 crore distributed to three-tier panchayats and urban bodies, Rs 1,375.24 crore was spent during the year. The Minister noted that the Government had unveiled transparent guidelines for the spending of the Plan funds in the light of experience and did not allow expenditure in violation of the guidelines. The district panchayats in the State spent an average of 84.90 per cent of the Plan funds. The Alappuzha district panchayat with 100 per cent achievement topped the list, while the Kottayam district panchayat lagged at the bottom with 70 per cent. The State average for corporations was 82.12 per cent with Thrissur occupying the top position with 93.19 per cent.