Hitting out at NDA Government Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that despite Uttar Pradesh was instrumental in formation of Modi Government at the centre, the union Government was biased towards UP and has neglected the demands of the farmers. “It is really unfortunate that NDA Government is biased towards UP – the state that has elected maximum 73 MPs from this state. During election campaign BJP leaders had promised that they would extend all help to UP but now NDA Government is biased towards this state,” Yadav said while laying the foundation stone of the multipurpose dam project in Erich in Jhansi district on Tuesday.
He said during recent rains farmers lost their precious crop. The state government extended all help to the farmers but the centre refused to pay a single penny despite many reminders from the state government. “look at the apathy of the Union Government. The State paid Rs 7 lakh to the family members of the farmers who committed suicide post-rains. The Union Government paid just Rs 2.5 lakh as compensation whereas it should have given Rs 14 lakh. This shows how serious the Union Government is in solving farmers’ problems,” he said.
Chief Minister said people should ask their local BJP MPs as why NDA Government is biased towards UP. “The NDA Government has completed one year in office. It has been exposed thoroughly. It talked about changing the face of the country by introducing numerous development projects. There were high sounding words but these failed to translate into action,” he said.
In contrast the Uttar Pradesh has launched many development projects. It is building infrastructure by improving power and road sectors. Jobs have been given to teachers, para-medics and now over 40,000 constables will be appointed soon. “Selection process has bene made easy. They will be selected through interview and medical tests,” Chief Minister said. Yadav said besides the Government has made an attempt to improve irrigation facilities in this rugged region of Bundelkhand. The Erich dam will solve the drinking water problem of the area and it would also be used for irrigation purposes, he said.
“A dam is coming up in this region but it does not mean that people will be displaced. Not a single villager will be asked to move out,” he said. This dam will be constructed at Betwa river, 40 km downstream from Parichcha dam. The total cost of the project is Rs 612 crore and it is expected to be completed by 2018. Once complete, over 1850 hectare land area would be irrigated. Two hydel power projects of 1.8 MW would be set up at the downsteam. “Once complete this dam will increase irrigation facilities. This area will also be developed for tourism purposes,” CM said. PWD and Irrigation Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav also addressed the gathering. Chief Minister also handed over cheques of Rs 7 lakh each to 18 farmers who lost their kins in recent rains.