Members in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the acute drinking water crisis and rising number of farmer suicides in 11 drought-hit states, including Maharashtra, with the Op
Members in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the acute drinking water crisis and rising number of farmer suicides in 11 drought-hit states, including Maharashtra, with the Opposition and BJP ally Shiv Sena accusing the government of not releasing adequate funds to these states.
Several MPs asked the government to complete 312 pending irrigation projects across the country in a timely manner to boost water supply for drinking purposes and agriculture. While Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spend a day each in drought-hit Bundelkhand and Marathwada so that his government can take steps to solve the problems faced by the affected people, he also asked how can one expect thirsty and hungry people to say “Bharat Mata ki jai”.
MPs also asked the government to consider if more funds could be released to drought-hit states, saying the current allocation rate was less than half of what the states had demanded for 2015-16 to tide over the situation.
“Right now, 11 states are facing drought-like conditions. Whether in states or at the Centre, where there are different political parties, we must face the situation. We must rise above political lines and face the situation together,” former agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar said.
However, the Centre put the onus on states, while insisting that it is doing its bit to provide relief to those affected.
“We should not fight between Centre and the state. The role of Centre and state is different. It is clearly defined in the rules. We can’t change it. The Centre’s role is to monitor and the state’s role is to provide assistance and help the affected people at the ground level,” agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh said.
In a hard-hitting speech, Mr Raut said, “Our respected Prime Minister travels within the country and abroad. But I request him to go to Bundelkhand and Marathwada for a day each. I am sure he will go and after seeing the conditions of people he will take steps to alleviate the problems.”
Mr Raut added that people hit by drought, even though they have Bharat Mata in their hearts, have empty stomachs and are thirsty.
“I don’t want to link it with religion, but to hunger. Those who are famished and have become paupers, how do you expect Bharat Mata ki jai from them, we will have to think,” Mr Raut said.
“We believe that Pakistan is our greatest enemy, but hunger and poverty are even greater enemies. We have talks with Pakistan, they can be held. But the poor, who are leaving their homes, discussions should be held with them also,” he said.
Earlier soon after the House reconvened after the lunch break, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “We cannot have debate without the minister concerned. You adjourn the House. Let’s start the debate when he is here.”
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien tried to convince members that the subject was a serious one and the government “works on a joint responsibility. Even if concerned minister is not here, we can continue the debate.” The debate, however, started after the arrival of the concerned ministers.
Initiating the debate, A U Singh Deo (BJD) expressed concern over meagre allocation of funds and the delay in its release to drought-hit states, especially Odisha.
He also said there was a huge difference in state’s and the Centre’s assessment of losses due to drought, because of which states do not get full relief funds.
