Deshmukh announces package for Vidarbha

While assuring a better deal to the region, the Chief Minister said the issue of speedy development of Vidarbha region has unfortunately been politicised. He referred to the announcement spree by the previous Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government and said a series of development schemes were announced forVidarbha region, needing a huge investment of over Rs 12,000. But not more than 25 per cent of the amount was provided, he said.

In a departure from the past, the Democratic Front government has carefully worked out the package so that the emphasis could be on the implementation aspect, the Chief Minister said. He also assured an early decision to clear the long pending developmental backlog of Vidarbha region in irrigation, roads and health services sectors.

About the report of Indicators and Backlog committee of Statutory Development Boards, Deshmukh informed that the report was scrutinised by Additional Chief Secretary Ranganathan. He has submitted a report based on his observation. The State Government would take a policy decision on the committee report by March-end, he added.

The package announced by Deshmukh, however, remained silent on a new industrial policy. The Chief Minister made a brief reference saying that a separate package would be announced later to attract big industries to Vidarbharegion. Similarly, a new mining policy to tap the vast mineral potential of Vidarbha is also expected soon.

Assuring government support for development of cooperative sector in Vidarbha, he said the State Government would contribute Rs 58.36 crore for setting up 12 spinning mills in Vidarbha. The package included opening of an office of the proposed Veterinery University in city, grant of land rights to slum dwellers in city, funds for purchase of cobalt unit for RST cancer hospital in city, sports council for Nagpur and Amravati and Rs 2 crore each to sugar cooperative in this region.

Earlier, members cutting across party lines demanded a concrete and time bound programme for Vidarbha’s development. Among those participating in the debate were Arun Adsad, Yadavrao Shikhre, Shobhatai Phadanvis, Sudhir Mungantiwarm, Sahebrao Tatte, and Devendra Phadanvis (BJP), Narayan Rane, Sanjay Band, Dnyaneshwar Dhane-Patil, Ashish Jaiswal, Nareshchandra Thakre, Kirti Gandhi, Vasant Purke and Sewakbhau Waghaye(Congress), Dharmaraobaba Atram and Vasantrao Itkelwar (Independent).