Mamata allocates funds to tackle drought-like situation

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced sanctioning of Rs 50 crore for the people affected by a drought-like situation in Purulia district.
Addressing a public meeting here in Purulia district, Banerjee said, "Once a Maoist den, peace prevails in the district now. We have brought in various development programmes in Purulia to benefit people of the district."
Banerjee repeated what she had been saying during her tour of the districts that the Centre had either stopped or drastically reduced funds and subsidies for various social sector projects.
Nonetheless, she said, her government would continue with these projects like ICDS and development of Jangalmahal in the interest of local people.

The Chief Minister took a swipe at the Centre for not paying attention to her long-standing demand for special financial packages and appealed for resumption of social sector projects for the benefit of people.
As in other districts, she inaugurated or laid the foundation stones of a number of projects, including the Sabuj Sathi Scheme, to help the tribals, in particular, to attain self-reliance.

She said that the benefits of these projects would reach over 90 per cent people soon.
Banerjee said that the Purulia district would be divided into four sub-divisions next year to decentralise its administration and expedite development activities.

She also announced the setting up of an archery academy and a Chhou academy in the district, funds for which have been released with an immediate effect.
The projects she inaugurated related to eco-tourism, roads, water supply health care, Krishak Bazaars, hostels for boys and girls, administrative buildings and auditorium, among others.
"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried
out as per government orders", Wing Commander S S Birdi had said.
The Army had said they were conducting routine exercise with full knowledge and coordination with West Bengal Police.
Derek O'Brien, however, said the army claim that the exercises were conducted in coordination with police was "incorrect".

"All respect for army, but must set record straight 1) Data is already available 2. Cannot do vehicle check, not authorized to do so. Saying exercise by @easterncomd was coordinated with police is absolutely incorrect. Also, troops were moved into districts even after midnight. Bengal CM kept watch from Secretariat overnight. She is still there," Brien said on twitter.