Didi declares ₹12k cr for rural infra works

KOLKATA: With rural polls in West Bengal expected to be held in 2018 summer, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced an additional expenditure of ₹12,000 crore for infrastructure development.

The funds will be allocated mainly for rural drinking water projects and rural roads. The amount is substantial — 18.53% of the state’s total plan expenditure of ₹64,733 crore for 2017-18.

The 2018 rural polls are crucial since it will be a rehearsal for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. BJP has already identified Bengal as a focus state for the 2019 polls.

“Often, funds allotted to different departments remain unutilised. I have directed that these funds be used for development of rural roads and rural drinking water projects,” chief minister told the media on Monday.

She said a separate committee led by the district magistrate will be formed in every district. It will identify the unutilised funds to be used for these projects.

Banerjee also took a dig at the Union government for not releasing its share of central funds for Bengal. “The Centre is yet to release around ₹13,714.32 crore. Despite these constraints we are trying our best for social welfare,” chief minister said.

Banerjee also alleged that the Centre has not provided any assistance for flood relief. “However, the state has paid compensation to the tune of ~185 crore to farmers for the crop loss. We have also allotted ~280 crore for providing pension to 2.5 lakh people,” Banerjee said. She also said that e-offices will become operational from January 2.