The BJP-led Maharashtra government, in its first cabinet meeting in Aurangabad on Tuesday , announced a bonanza of over Rs.49,248 crore for Marathwada with major allocations for the irrigation sector and infrastructural development in the drought-prone region. Interestingly , the total financial allocation announced is nearly onefifth of the state's annual budget of Rs.2.56 lakh crore and is said to be the highest ever for Marathwada.
The cabinet meeting was attended by all top ministers, including revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and water resources minister Girish Mahajan. It was held in Aurangabad after eight years.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the different decisions taken during the cabinet meeting would have far-reaching effects on the development of Marathwada. When asked about possible sources of funding for the multi-crore projects approved for the region, Fadnavis said the government would raise the money through bonds besides roping in NABARD.
Boost for irrigation:
Terming irrigation as an important aspect of development for Marathwada, Fadnavis announced funds worth Rs.9,291 crore for the completion of different pending projects. Neera-Bhima stabilization project (Rs.4,800 crore), Painganga-Kundlik project (Rs.1,730 crore), Nandur-Madhmeshwar project (Rs.894 crore) and Right Bank Canal System of Lower Dudhna project (Rs.819 crore) are some of the key projects which are slated to get the desired financial push. About the NeeraBhima stabilization project, which faced legal scrutiny , Fadnavis said the project assumes significance as it will address the water needs of Osmanabad and Beed districts. Funds worth Rs. 1,048 crore have also been announced for another 38 pending projects.The Lower Dudhna project, which is under consideration for more than 35 years, was granted a revised administrative approval during the cabinet meet.
Better road & rail connectivity:
Marathwada will have new state and national highways stretching over 4,500 km in the next three years with a financial outlay of Rs.30,000 crore, inclusive of the Centre's contribution. The region will have 2,300 km of state highways and 2,200 km of national highways.
Education sector:
The state cabinet meet moved ahead with major policy decisions related to the education sector, including upgrading government polytechnics at Jalna and Latur to the status of engineering colleges and setting up a branch of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) at Jalna.
Agro-based & industrial sector:
The cabinet has approved setting up of a textile park each in the cotton-growing areas of Parbhani, Beed and Nanded districts. The land available with the respective MIDCs will be used for setting up these textile parks, Fadnavis said. The state cabinet also approved nine agro-based clusters for Marathwada with the necessary formalities having been completed for four.
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