Cabinet Likely to Approve Rs 7000 Cr for Bundelkhand
The cabinet is expected to discuss a comprehensive Rs 7,000 crore package for large-scale irrigation and river-linking programmes in Bundelkhand region, almost a year after AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi catapulted the region into the national political discourse following his intense campaign.
The Planning Commission has sought the Cabinet’s approval for the package that calls for drought-mitigation in 14 districts of the Bundelkhand region, spread over Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
The affected districts include Jhansi, Banda, Chitrakoot, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Datia, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Orchha, Panna, Sagar and Tikamgarh.
It may be mentioned that Gandhi, along with UP Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, met PM Manmohan Singh in July to push for going ahead with implementation of a central government report recommending an economic package for the region.
The team constituted by the central government for the purpose suggested a package worth Rs 8,000 crore in its report.
Besides, Gandhi had also insisted on forming a separate Bundelkhand Development Authority under the Central government that was to be authorized to direct all funds for the region’s speedy development. The proposal seems unlikely to implemented because of constitutional hurdles involved.
It should be noted that both UP and MP governments are at loggerheads since 2008 over Bundelkhand, putting blame of region’s backwardness on each-other.
Besides, Mayawati, who is opposed to the idea of a separate authority, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan too has been vocal about his opposition, saying this would result in duplication of efforts in giving the region a facelift.
Of the total Rs 7,000 crore package, Rs 4,000 crore is likely to be utilised on developing the Bundelkhand districts within Uttar Pradesh and the remaining Rs 3,000 crore for districts in Madhya Pradesh. While part of the funds will be for linking the Ken, Betwa rivers, a chunk will be set aside for increased outlays under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and setting up of tube wells.
