The finance department, under minister Jayant Patil, has refused to pamper the dispute-free village scheme from the next year.
The finance department, under minister Jayant Patil, has refused to pamper the dispute-free village scheme from the next year. Now, political circles are wondering if it has anything to do with the turf war being fought in Sangli district between Patil and home minister RR Patil, who is touted as the brain behind the scheme. Both are top leaders of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Initially, the finance minister refused to part with Rs48.29 crore, which was the amount RR Patil required to distribute among the prize-winning villages for achieving success under the scheme in its inaugural year. It was only after a lengthy debate — and cajoling — that the finance department released the funds, a couple of days ago.
For the current year (the scheme was launched on August 15, 2007), Jayant Patil has suggested modification in the campaign - particularly relating to the huge prize money. For one, it does not want the scheme to be open-ended where the price amount has no upper limit. The number of qualifying villages can go up to any limit, overstretching the budgetary provision.
In its first year, ending August 15, 2008, 2,309 villages were entitled under the scheme to cash awards, ranging from Rs1 lakh to Rs12.50 lakh depending upon their population. While announcing the results, RR Patil had announced last month that the prize distribution ceremony was slated for September 25 in Mumbai. It was later postponed to October 12, but is unlikely to take place on that day too.
Jayant Patil confirmed the objections raised by his ministry, but said that there will not be any discontinuation of the scheme. “It is a cabinet-approved scheme and no need to be discontinued mid-way. We have released the funds,” he said.
RR Patil, however, said that the delay in the reward-distribution function was due to the busy schedule of chief guests, the first time around, and the dates clashing with inauguration function of Commonwealth Youth Games at Pune, the second time. Funds have been released and we will hold the ceremony soon.
g_surendra@dnaindia.net
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