CBI probe into B’khand drought package sought

FUNDS EMBEZZLEMENT NGO also seeks setting up of panel comprising local people in all seven districts of Bundelkhand for proper distribution of funds

LUCKNOW: Bundeli Samaj, an NGO working in Bundelkhand region, demanded a CBI probe into the embezzlement of funds allotted to seven districts of Bundelkhand in the last 10 years.

The organisation also demanded setting up of committees comprising local people at block level in all seven districts of Bundelkhand for proper distribution of funds, which would be allocated to the region after being declared drought-hit by the state government.

“Bundelkhand has become a perfect breeding ground for corrupt government officials. They are vying with each other for a share of the fund package after the state government has declared the region droughtaffected,” Tara Patkar, coordinator of Bundeli Samaj, told mediapersons here on Sunday.

Patkar demanded a CBI probe into the embezzlement of funds (`3200 crore), which was released by the then UPA government in 2009 for drought-affected regions of Bundelkhand- seven districts in Uttar Pradesh and six in Madhya Pradesh.

Mahoba, Banda, Chitrakoot, Jalun, Jhansi, Hamirpur and Lalitpur comprise seven districts of Bundelkhand region falling in Uttar Pradesh. Remaining eight districts fall in Madhya Pradesh.

“Despite the package, the entire region is still in the grip of poverty due to successive droughts in the past three years. Where has all the money gone?,” asked Patkar.

The Bundeli Samaj also took a potshot at politicians and bureaucrats visiting the region. “Politicians and bureaucrats come to Bundelkhand just for a customary visit and make false promises. We do not need such people in Bundelkhand,” said Patkar.

The Bundeli Samaj founder is also credited with starting the unique ‘Roti Bank’ in his hometown Mahoba district. The aim of the project is to ensure that no one goes off to sleep on an empty stomach. Volunteers of the bank collect roti from every household in the district and feed to poor and destitute in the night.

Despite the package, the entire region is still in the grip of poverty due to successive droughts in the past three years. Where has all the money gone?

TARA PATKAR, coordinator of Bundeli Samaj