Bihar gets big PMGSY fund as another minister visits state

Patna,(BiharTimes): Yet another Union minister was in Bihar on Saturday. And this time with another announcement of big funds. 

Talking to newsmen in Patna the Union rural development minister, Jairam Ramesh, said the Centre had approved Rs 4,130 crore for the construction of 5,700 km of rural roads.

He said the decision to allot the amount under Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) in the current financial year was taken by the ministry recently. This is the highest allocation under the scheme to Bihar since UPA came to power at the Centre in 2004.

Ramesh said out of the fund allocated in all 38 districts, 2,400 rural roads and 190 bridges would be constructed.

He denied that the allocation has anything to do with the proximity of JD(U) with Congress. It is the right of the state, he added.

The Union minister said after taking charge of the ministry he had galvanised implementation of schemes everywhere in the country.

Eighty per cent of the total fund would be spent on road construction in 10 districts. They are Araria, Aurangabad, Darbhanga, Jamui, Kaimur, Madhubani, Nawada, Sitamarhi, Rohtas and West Champaran. These districts are either Maoist-hit or are situated on the international border.

He was here to review of rural development works in Maoist-hit West Champaran district. Later in the day he met chief minister, Nitish Kumar.

However, Jairam is one Union minister, who has been visiting the state quite frequently, especially the Naxal-affected ones.