Water schemes: DF Govt. to consult Opposition?

By Mahesh Vijapurkar

MUMBAI, JAN. 24. The Democratic Front Government in Maharashtra did not consult some of its allies while taking decisions on removing subsidy on essential commodities sold through the Public Distribution System but has become quite wary of trimming its rural water supply scheme costing over Rs. 7,200 crores for fear of resentment from the potential beneficiaries. But it is unable to implement what is by far the most critical project ever.

According to well-placed sources, despite an official paperwork indicating the need to reduce the commitment by at least Rs. 3,000 crores, the Minister in charge, Mr. R. R. Patil, was not keen on pushing it in the Cabinet where it came up for consideration last week. Mr. Patil is reluctant because he does not want his party to suffer because of an unpopular decision.A way out is to involve all the political parties, especially the Opposition BJP and the Shiv Sena, in consultations. When in power, these two parties had taken up the massive project with a view to make Maharashtra virtually ``tanker-free'' but delays plagued it and finance was scarce. It is unclear whether the two parties would back the Government on the move to cut the cost.

Mr. Patil, being a Nationalist Congress Party Minister, obviously does not want the party to suffer when it is engaged in building its base even as it is running a Government in collaboration with its political adversary, the Congress(I). And hence, this suggestion that the Opposition be consulted and ``make it everyone's decision.''

Despite the scheme being of significant use to the people, they were not implementable because of resource inadequacy.

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Section  : Regional
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