Nagpur.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the present demand for separate Vidarbha is the result of continuous injustice meted out to the region by the rulers in Maharashtra since years. The funds meant for development of Vidarbha were diverted to other parts of the State and thus the principle of equal development was flouted, said Fadnavis. He was replying to the discussion over Vidarbha’s backlog and development initiated by Congress leader Dilip Walse Patil in Legislative Assembly. The issue was discussed under Rule 293.
Fadnavis said that the region of Vidarbha was included in Maharashtra after signing of Nagpur Pact. At that time equal development was promised. Nagpur was Capital during British Rule. The status was sacrificed and Second Capital was accepted. Farmers in the region were rich at that time. But continuous exploitation and injustice meted out to the region gave birth to demand for separate Vidarbha. In recent times, the Governor’s directives were not followed by the then Government and allocated far less funds to Vidarbha. The then Government deprived Vidarbha by Rs 1819 crore in 2008-09, Rs 2199 crore in 2009-10 and Rs 2084 crore in 2010-11. Under non-plan, Rs 4214 crore were given less to Vidarbha. Equal development and a special provision of irrigation were promised. The Adarsh Mishra Committee in its report had said that the development was stalled deliberately. Now, all vacant posts have been filled up. Those who refuse to join will be dealt with stern action. Amravati Division’s backlog (102 projects) will be ended by June 15. Vidarbha’s 50 percent completed projects will be given amended approval, said the Chief Minister.
Fadnavis further said the land acquisition process of Gosikhurd Project will be completed in 2017. Similarly, projects in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts will completed soon. Government is contemplating taking additional water in East Vidarbha to West Maharashtra. The water will be used for irrigation purpose. Planning is being done for making time-bound funds available for Vidarbha’s development, said the Chief Minister.
“Industries will not get erected if mining-based industries are not provided with electricity at cheap rate. Government will approach MERC for resolving the issue of surcharge on open access. A fund of Rs 961 crore given for basic amenities in Vidarbha and the issue of ending ‘paid pending’ in 2014-15 is under consideration,” said Fadnavis.
The Chief Minister further said that the Amravati MIDC is very good. The company is ‘naked.’ It will be developed as a Textile Hub. Talks with nine companies are in final stages. All companies will be given all the facilities. Starting of triple IIT and IIM soon is under consideration. Construction of Mayo should be under Integrated Plan. A far-reaching decision regarding medical has been taken and implemented soon, said Fadnavis.
“Expansion of Amravati Airport is on the anvil. Opening of a night-landing airport in Chandrapur have some problems but construction of at least a state-level airport is under consideration. Moreover, all the development plans of small cities in Vidarbha have been accorded approval. Not a single file is pending,” asserted Fadnavis.
The Chief Minister further said that a decision to set up industries in five kilometers outside Nagpur Municipal Corporation limits has been taken. Similarly, approval has been granted for implementation of NIT’s improvement scheme. Tower light structure and group housing have also been approved. Gorewada Zoo has been given Rs 20 crore fund for facelift including starting of Rescue Centre. Directives have been issued for preparing blueprint for Buddhist Theme Park. The finishing touches are being given for according World Heritage Status to Lonar. Repairing of State Highways is the first priority and will be completed by January 2015. Stress is being given on infrastructure connectivity. Development of entire Maharashtra will not be possible by developing a few districts. There will be no shortage of funds for Vidarbha’s development. “I will camp in Vidarbha for two days and the development will be achieved. I vow to develop Vidarbha at any cost,” concluded Fadnavis.
