Maharashtra FM, Mungantiwar Urges For 535 Crores Budgetary Provision For Gadchiroli

New Delhi, Jan 18:  Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a budgetary provision of Rs.535 crore for the infrastructure development of Naxal-affected Gadchiroli District in the upcoming Union Budget.

Shri Sudhir Mungantivar met the Union Home Minister at Union Home Ministry in North Block.  He informed the union minister that Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra is categorized as naxal affected, tribal and socio-economically backward district. He further informed that, 34% of total population of Gadchiroli is tribal and the Human Development Index of the area is 0.20 and it ranks 34^th in the State. The per capita income of the state is 98000. However, the per capita income of Gadchiroli district is 47000. The minister brought to the notice of the Union Minister that the Gross Enrolment education in the District is only 11% as compared to 25% of Mahaashtra and 19% of National average.

In order to bring about overall development, to increase per capita income, human development index and generate employment of the District a budgetary provision of Rs 535 crore 16 lakhs be made in the upcoming budget session, urged Mungantiwar to the Home Minister. He also informed that, the state government has set up Gondwana University, which would encourage the local students for higher studies. However, to start various new courses, a funding assistance of Rs. 240 crore for the development of basic infrastructure projects and ensure smooth connectivity, construction of roads and bridges, funding assistance to the tune of 200 crore rupees is essential, apprised Shri Mungantiwar.  Adding further, he said that Gadchiroli being a naxal affected area, the Police force needs to be strengthened and modernized further. This would need a funding of Rs. 10 crore 14 lakh. Empowering the police with Mobile and internet connectivity, financial assistance of Rs. 45 crore 42 lakh and Rs.36 crores for irrigation and maintenance of ponds would be needed. The finance minister urged for a total funding assistance of Rs. 535 crore 16 lakh and to make a budgetary provision in the upcoming Union Budget. The Home Minister assured to look into the matter positively.