Jain inclusion shows Bundelkhand focus

The induction of Pradeep Jain,a first-time and only Congress MP from the drought-prone Bundelkhand region....

The induction of Pradeep Jain,a first-time and only Congress MP from the drought-prone Bundelkhand region,into the central ministry is being seen by many as an indicator that the party has given top priority to the development of the region.

As Minister of State for Rural Development,Jain is equipped with the tools to take care of the development needs of the region.

Although one of the most backward regions of India,Bundelkhand has been neglected by successive governments. Poor agriculture,lack of irrigation and drinking water,unemployment,and migration to cities for jobs are some of the perennial problems.

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Bundelkhand has always been on the agenda of the central government. In the previous government,we were not able to do enough for the region,but with the selection of Pradeep Jain,the party leadership has given a clear signal that Bundelkhands development would be its priority, said Rita Bahuguna Joshi,UP Congress president.

We are happy with the appointment of Pradeep Jain,the only representative to have won from the Bundelkhand region. The message is clear that importance would be given to the area,which has been neglected by other parties in the past, she added.

Sources in the Congress said that 47-year-old Jain is also the kind of young people AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi believes will help in rebuilding the Congress in Uttar Pradesh in time for the next Assembly elections in 2012.