This is an archive article published on September 15, 2023
State cabinet set to clear projects worth Rs 45,000 crore for Marathwada region today
Sources confirmed with The Indian Express that the cabinet is set to announce revised administrative approvals for the irrigation projects in the region worth around Rs 20,000 crore.
The Marathwada water grid project as well as the project diverting river water from western Maharashtra to drought-prone regions of Marathwada will also get a push in the cabinet. (File photo)
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State cabinet set to clear projects worth Rs 45,000 crore for Marathwada region today
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WITH ELECTIONS set to be held in less than a year and drought looming over large parts of Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, the state government’s special cabinet meeting in Aurangabad on Saturday is set to announce projects worth around Rs 35,000 crore to Rs 45,000 crore for the region. The meeting will also focus on announcements which can be a reality in the coming one year instead of making promises of long-term projects.
Sources confirmed with The Indian Express that the cabinet is set to announce revised administrative approvals for the irrigation projects in the region worth around Rs 20,000 crore.
The Marathwada water grid project as well as the project diverting river water from western Maharashtra to drought-prone regions of Marathwada will also get a push in the cabinet.
The region with eight districts is considered to be lacking in development compared to the rest of the state with lack of opportunities for employment and education. It is also one of the water-deficient regions in the state. The special cabinet meeting is being held a day before the completion of 75 years of Marathwada’s freedom struggle as it was under the rule of Nizam of Hyderabad.
The cabinet will also discuss the proposal of setting up a new Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) unit over around 750 acres in Sillod tehsil of Aurangabad district. It is the constituency of cabinet minister Abdul Sattar. Osmanabad district in Marathwada is categorised as an aspirational district in the Centre’s list. The cabinet will also discuss setting up a skill development centre here with focus on generating employment. A medical college as well as a special agriculture college is also on cards.
According to sources, the cabinet will take decisions to grant additional funds for the development of religious sites such as Parli-Vaijnath and Tuljapur temple. Paithan’s famous garden will also get a grand makeover. The upgradation of sports complex at Latur is also on the agenda.
“Marathwada’s various villages have memorials of freedom fighters who fought against Nizam rule. These are martyrs who are known locally. The government is also planning to propose renovation of these over 700 memorials in Marathwada,” said the official.
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Despite the state government’s grand plans for the special cabinet, the Opposition has raised questions over the promises it made in the special cabinet meeting held in 2016. Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Ambadas Danve on Friday raised 18 questions about the progress government made on the projects worth Rs 41,000 crore announced in 2016. “We want to advise the government to think twice before making announcements of new projects. Most of the previous announcements are still pending. Therefore, the government must give explanation of its past actions and only then make new announcements,” said Danve.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
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