Graft charges false: Joshi

8220;The schools mentioned by the Opposition member are not in my constituency. However the decision to vacate the same was taken on May 20, 1994when Sharad Kale was the Municipal Commissioner, for technical reasons. However, the Municipal Corporation is already conducting a high level inquiry into the controversy,8221; Joshi pointed out.

In his hour long forceful speech, Joshi sought to blame the erstwhile Congress government, saying, during the 45 years it was in the office since the formation of Maharashtra, instead of undertaking developmental schemes and welfare measures for the weaker sections, it created a mess. 8220;It will be difficult to clear the mess so soon. During our three years in the office, we drafted revolutionary policies as promised in the Vachan Nama, while in the remaining two years, we will implement the schemes in letter and spirit,8221; Joshi added.

Referring to the massive criticism of of the much publicised scheme to provide free houses to 40 lakh slumdwellers in the metropolis, though Joshi admitted that the progress was not satisfactory, he blamed a member of the Legislative Council for moving the High Court against the policydecision of the government.

8220;Since the member had moved the Court, for more than eight months the scheme could not be launched. Subsequently, it failed to take off as there was sudden recession in the real estate sector. However, now I am sure we will provide them houses in next two years since we have made basic changes in the scheme and also plan to set up an independent financial corporation for the purpose,8221; Joshi observed.

Launching a blistering attack on the Congress-led Opposition, Joshi said they criticised the alliance government for releasing cheques of Rs 25 and Rs 50 to the hailstorm affected farmers in the backward regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada. However, when he examined the official records, it was found that the erstwhile Congress government had sanctioned Rs 8 and 10 to the flood affected farmers in 1982-83.

8220;During the Congress rule, a record number of 29 ministers visited Israel to study the latest technology in the agriculture sector, but none of the techniques were brought toMaharashtra. However, during my tenure, we have actually brought a new experiment for enhancing yield of cotton at Akola,8221; Joshi claimed.

On corruption charges against his government, Joshi said the disease was not limited only to his state, but has affected the entire nation. 8220;I have asked the anti-corruption bureau to immediately initiate criminal proceedings against those who were trapped by the police,8221; Joshi added.

Making a comparison of funds utilised on developmental schemes, Joshi said during the 45-year rule of Congress the power generation was of the order of 11585 MW, while by the year 2000 we will touch an all time high production of 19,000 MW. 8220;We will require an additional Rs 27,000 crore, which will be raised with the help of the private sector,8221; he said.

Similarly, in the irrigation sector, the total investment was Rs 8356 crore, while during his five year tenure, it will be providing Rs 11660 crore, again with the help of private sector participation and by raising bonds.