Major share of Rs 4500 Cr relief package of Cong relies upon Centre : JR Thakur
Shimla, Oct 19
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, during a press conference, scrutinized the Chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government’s Rs 4500 Crore relief package, asserting that the majority of these funds would rely on central government schemes. He specified that a substantial portion of the package, around Rs 2000 Cr, would be sourced from central-funded state schemes.
Thakur revealed that an RTI inquiry conducted by the BJP exposed that Rs 1000 Cr of the relief package would be allocated to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a demand-driven scheme primarily supported by the central government. Moreover, he pointed out that the PM Awas scheme would cover 6500 houses, with Rs 100 Cr to be provided by the central government, and Rs 361 Cr from the State Disaster Relief Funds and Rs 315 Cr from delayed grants in aid had already been funded by the center.
In an attempt to underline the limited role of the state government in contributing to this relief, Thakur cited that only Rs 200 Cr was allocated from the Defined Component Plan.
Further, he expressed concerns regarding the discretionary use of funds by MLAs and MPs and advocated for a more transparent distribution of funds.
Thakur’s criticism extended to the state government’s response to the natural calamity, accusing them of indulging in politics rather than focusing on helping those in need. He urged the government to ensure that the relief package benefits those who had suffered the loss of family members, livestock, homes, and shelter, rather than making beneficiary lists based on party lines.
Furthermore, he accused the Congress government of mismanagement, including issues with COVID warriors, employee suicides, and firing of outsource workers including those in IPH.
Thakur also expressed concerns about rising cement prices and a perceived standstill in the pace of development projects in the state.
