Taking steps to check migration: Chavan

Saying the focus of the upcoming budget session would be on tackling drought,Chavan said additional funds had been sought from the Centre.

He was speaking at the pre-assembly tea party organised at the state guest house,which Opposition parties,BJP and Shiv Sena,boycotted.

The state has received Rs 574 crore from the Centre for drought relief. “The Union Home Ministry has approved funds for drought relief under National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). We have asked for more funds,” said Chavan.

On the depleting water stock,Chavan said a new scheme on both short-term and long-term measures and projects to mitigate the effects of drought were being proposed to the Centre. “We want to utilise Rs 2,000 crore for phase-wise completion of small irrigation and drinking water projects,” said Chavan.

Chavan said at present,there was no need to acquire water from sources owned by packaged drinking water companies or breweries.

CM’s drought relief fund

Chavan announced Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Drought and asked charitable organisations,NGOs,corporates,government bodies and individuals to contribute. A number of state MLAs and ministers have donated a month’s salary towards drought relief.

MNS skips BJP’s pre-budget meet

MNS Sunday snubbed the BJP’s invite for a meeting to discuss the strategy for the budget session. MNS chief Raj Thackeray held a meeting with party MLAs exhorting them to carve a niche for themselves in the Assembly. “Big opposition parties have lost their sting. They criticise in the morning and make compromises in the evening,” he said.