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The state government has demanded an allocation of Rs 2500 crore under the Centre's flagship programme Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in 2015-16 to help plug the rural infrastructure deficit.
The state has also asked the Centre to step up allocation under PMGSY for the current fiscal from Rs 1178 crore to Rs 1800 crore. The demands have been made by the state government in its pre-Budget memorandum submitted to the Centre.
The state government has expressed its displeasure over the inadequate allocation and release of central funds under flagship programmes like PMGSY and Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP).
“The Odisha government has spent Rs 1088.62 crore in 2012-13 and Rs 967.57 crore in 2013-14 for implementation of the AIBP scheme. But, Government of India has released only Rs 38.24 crore in 2012-13 and Rs 15.23 crore in 2013-14 against the allocation of Rs 1038.66 crore in 2012-13 and Rs 850 crore in 2013-14 made by the Planning Commission. Further, the scheme has a meagre allocation of only Rs 330 crore in 2014-15”, the government stated in the memorandum.
Since capital investment in most of the major irrigation projects is taken up under AIBP, reduced allocation is adversely affecting the creation of additional irrigation infrastructure as well as irrigation potential in the state which is critical for development of the agrarian economy, the state argued.
Similarly, under PMGSY, the allocation for the Odisha government was Rs 1600 crore for 2013-14. However, allocation for this scheme during 2014-15 has been reduced to Rs 1178 crore.
The state government has also sought central support for Nabakalebar, an auspicious festival of Jagannath Temple, Puri due by July 2015.
Total investment needed for organizing the event is pegged at Rs 1500 crore. A proposal seeking special central assistance of Rs 740 crore for development works had been submitted to the Planning Commission.
Nabakalebar, a special heritage event, is expected to witness congregation of around five million pilgrims, tourists and other visitors
