Maharashtra eyes maximum funds from central scheme

Maharashtra, which has managed to secure financial assistance to a maximum number of schemes under the central government's ambitious Jawahralal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNJURM), is now aiming to secure highest funds under the central urban development ministry's new community participatory projects (CPP) scheme.

The CPP has been designed to take care of small needs of various urban localities.

"Some community might want children park, some would like to start their own vermi-culture project or carry out repairs and maintenance of school in the area. Such projects that are not more than Rs 10 lakhs will be funded by the central government under the CPP," said a senior official from the state government's urban development ministry.

The scheme aims to emphasise that urban renewal is not about only big-bang projects like flyovers, metro railway, water supply and sewage disposal projects but also includes projects that directly make the difference in the life of the common man, he added.

Under the JNURM, Maharashtra has got 47 projects worth Rs 6,100 crore sanctioned, the highest in the country.

"We also want to be on the forefront of the new initiative and get maximum projects under the CPP for which the Centre has earmarked Rs 500 crore," the official said.

These projects will be implemented through local NGOs which work in various urban communities.

The state government has called the meeting of all the municipal commissioners towards the end of this month and all municipal corporations have been asked to submit at least 2 such projects for the state government's approval, he told.