After ignoring Karnataka for more than a year by refusing to release funds for upgrading rural roads, the Union Ministry for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RD&PR), has finally sanctioned over Rs 1,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Addressing reporters on Thursday, RD&PR Minister Jagadish Shettar said that close to 3,500 km of road upgrading works would be taken up shortly, as the Centre had granted Rs 564.27 crore and Rs 868.50 crore under two different proposals. The Minister said there was reprieve for Karnataka from the step-motherly treatment after Vilasrao Deshmukh assumed the portfolio.