The government today asked the rural district agencies not to allow the multinational companies to purchase agricultural land in the country. The Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, Ms Anita Chaudhary said that multinational companies have purchased 40 per cent agricultural land in South Africa, especially in Ethopia. She was inaugurating a two day National Confernce of Project Directors of District Rural Development Agencies, DRDA, in New Delhi. Ms Chaudhary said, DRDA has to play a great role in this regard.

On this occasion, the Secretary in the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ms Vilasani Ramachandran said that government will emphasise on drinking water and sanitation in the 12th Plan. She asked district directors that under Indira Awas Yojana, every house should have a toilet in the house.