Gaur expresses dissent over non-release of funds

Bhopal, Aug 31 (UNI) Expressing dissent over non-release of money for his pet project 'Gokul Gram' and his native village in Uttar Pradesh, former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur today said the state government must release the amount in order to undertake development projects.

Mr Gaur told UNI here that although Finance Minister Raghavji had announced to release money for 'Gokul Gram' during his budget speech, no money was released in 2006-07 thus far.

He said development works had come to a standstill due to lack of funds. He had written to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in this regard in order to speed up development work.

On whether his project had met the fate of former CM's 'Panch Ja' scheme, he said the 'Panch Ja' scheme was the principle for development but it was implemented under the 'Gokul Gram' scheme.

In 2004, Mr Gaur had announced to select five villages in each assembly constituency and develop them into Gokul Grams. In this manner, 1,150 villages were selected from 230 assembly constituencies under the scheme.

Besides, Mr Gaur had announced to release Rs 50 lakh for development of Pratapgadh district's Naugir village in Uttar Pradesh during his visit there while he was Chief Minister.

The Commerce and Industries Minister said the government must release the amount as he had made the announcement in the capacity of a Chief Minister.

He added that he had written to the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister in this regard.

UNI PKJ-PS VD VC1702