State Govt Seeks Special Package for Development of Mahakoshal Region

State government has sought a special package of Rs 19,303 crore from the Centre for inclusive development of Mahakoshal region as additional planned intervention during the remaining period of 11th Plan, said media reports.

In a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that with the help of this special package, Mahakoshal region would catch up with the rest of the state and the country in terms of overall development, reports said.

The region comprises of eight districting, including – Jabalpur, Mandla, Dindori, Seoni, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur and Katni.

Of these, Dindori, Mandla, Seoni and Balaghat are dominated by Scheduled Tribes.

Dindori has the largest 64.48 per cent tribal population while Mandla, Seoni and Balaghat have ST population of 57.23 per cent, 36.78 per cent and 34.68 per cent respectively.

Chouhan mentioned in the letter that the low level of urbanisation indicates underdevelopment of the region, said reports.

The proportion of urban population in these districts except Jabalpur is below the state average.

The letter also said that the poor resource base and lack of irrigation facilities in this region has also led to sever hardship for the people the region, reports said.

(Based on internet reports)