State will use funds to complete ongoing mega projects in the infrastructure sector.
The Centre has granted chief minister Prithviraj Chavan a whopping Rs12,300 crore to implement various mega projects in the state.
Using the personal rapport that he shares with union ministers and the prime minister’s office, Chavan pushed for maximum funds. His argument: Mumbai, the financial capital of India, deserves a special package to complete its ongoing mega projects in the infrastructure sector.
Through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme, the centre has allocated the state a massive Rs1,485 crore, Rs531 crore more than last year. After taking office, Chavan emphasised that he would use his good offices in Delhi to bring in maximum funds for state projects. He also indicated that a transparent administration would help in winning the confidence of the centre, and expediting the projects which were on hold for lack of funds.
Receiving Rs1,429 crore for women and child welfare schemes, including the health component, is being perceived as a major achievement. Officials in the ministry agree that this is a Rs801-crore increase compared to the previous year.
However, Chavan has issued stern directives to the departments to ensure the funds are used for the purpose stated, without delay or hitches in planning. The Centre has also granted Rs1,341 crore to the state for the National Rural Health Mission, an increase of Rs449 crore.
The CM, who has clearly given a higher priority this time to infrastructure, health and education, has meticulously monitored the projects’ progress, department wise. Not surprisingly, he has held talks with the union ministers of the concerned departments to emphasise the significance of allocating more funds to undertake projects for state welfare. To cite an example, under the Pradhanmantri Gramsadak Yogna, the state government has for long been deprived of its share. The reason being that the state had already achieved its connectivity target, required under the scheme a long time ago. But over the last 15 years, the condition of roads all over the state has deteriorated badly, requiring a massive injection of funds once more.
The Centre had accepted the state’s plea and granted Rs796 crore for the same. However, it could not part with the funds, since the records showed that Maharashtra has achieved its connectivity target. It is on this issue that the CM has been reasoning with the Centre.
The mid-day meal scheme, which provides free lunches to primary school children in rural areas, has been allocated Rs1027 crore. The Sarvasiksha Abhiyan (Education For All) scheme received Rs1,179 crore.
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