Centre pursuing indifferent attitude towards Bengal: minister

West Bengal Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee today accused the central government of pursuing an indifferent attitude towards Bengal and stopping funds for various irrigation projects in the state.
Despite its mandate of bearing 50 per cent cost for various irrigation projects, the Centre has provided only peanuts to the state government, Banerjee claimed.
"Non-availability of funds from the central government has been a major issue for ongoing flood management schemes. Even after completion of necessary procedural formalities and repeated persuasion, there has been no response," Banerjee told reporters.
"If a state minister writes a letter, an executive of the central government replies it. Such is the indifference," he said.

The investment clearance of Ghatal Master Plan for flood control in West Midnapore district has also been withheld even after compliance of all formalities, he said.
The state government has taken up master plan for flood management in various districts of the state, he said.