)
Maharashtra government on Thursday announced a package of Rs 1,935 crore for the severely rain hit Vidarbha region. Of the Rs 1,935 crore, the government proposes to spend Rs 840 crore on permanent schemes to effectively tackle the natural calamities such as excess rainfall and floods, Rs 720 crore to reconstruct government properties and Rs 375 crore to individuals affected due to recent rainfall in almost all districts of Vidarbha.
Against the demand of assistance of Rs 25,000 per hectare, the state Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in his reply to a special debate in the legislature announced assistance of Rs 7,500 per hectare for rice and Rs 5,000 per hectare for soya bean and other crops damaged in the region. Nearly 4 lakh hectare of land has been damaged.
He informed that flood hit people in the region will be distributed 20 kg grains and 10 litre kerosene. Chavan said Rs 600 crore will be provided for further strengthening of road which are badly damaged due to heavy rains while Rs 100 crore will be given to four municipal corporations to carry out repair works in their jurisdiction.
He added the government was sympathetic to provide similar assistance to municipalities and municipal councils. As per the information available from the districts, so far 237 persons died.
Moreover, an assistance of Rs 70,000 will be provided each to 3,800 persons whose permanent houses have been fully damaged while Rs 25,000 to
Chavan however, was silent on the strong demand made by the ruling and opposition members for the declaration of wet drought in the Vidarbha region which is still witnessing excess rainfall. He clarified that the governmernt was open to increase the assistance in future too.
He assured the legislature that the government would further seek additional assistance from the Central government. He admitted that there are ceertain restrictions to avail the central assitance in view of the present criteria.
