Rs 1795.80 cr spent in Vidarbha from PM's package

Mumbai, Sept 3 (UNI) An amount of Rs 1795.80 cr had so far been spent so far in the six districts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra from the Prime Minister's special rehabilitation package, announced last year for the uplift of the farmers.

The Prime Minister had sanctioned Rs 3750 cr for farmers in Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldana, Washim and Wardha, which was to be implemented in three years starting from 2006.

Official Sources said so far Rs 2784.02 crore have been made available for implementation of different programmes under the package till July 2007 and 48 per cent implementaton of the package has been done in the first year itself.

The Package consists of relief measures in form of exgratia assistance for health, education, debt relief and waiver of interest.

Sources said against the target of Rs 712 cr, interest amount of Rs 825 cr on the principal sum Rs 1407 cr has been waived for 9.33 lakh farmers.

Allocation of Rs 2177 cr has been made to create irrigation potential of 1.59 lakh hectares in next three years. Upto July 31, Rs 1866.34 cr had been made available out of which Rs 810 crore has been utilised yet.

Each of the six districts have been given Rs 50 lakh to mitigate the distress of farmers, while Rs 4.42 cr have been spent on education and health schemes.

UNI