Naveen Patnaik on a five-day tour to Delhi

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday left for New Delhi to meet Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh with regard to implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.According to an official release, Mr. Patnaik would apprise Dr. Singh about the implementation of the programme and seek release of more funds under the scheme. The Centre had given funds to the tune of Rs. 724 crore to the State under the NREGS last year when 19 districts were covered the scheme.However, the Centre had released only Rs. 506 crore this year despite the fact that five more districts were brought under the NREGS in the State. As a result, the work under the scheme could not progress due to paucity of funds. The Centre had not responded to the communications sent by the State Panchayati Raj Department in this regard, the government said.Before his return to the State on Sunday, the Chief Minister will also meet Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni and discuss the development of tourism in the State.