GUJARAT & MADHYA PRADESH GET FUNDS FOR WASTELANDS DEVELOPMENT

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Ministry of Rural Development has released funds to the State Governments of Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh for development of wastelands. An amount of Rs. 180.23 lakh has been released to three districts of Gujarat under Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP) during the year 2003-2004. Kheda district gets Rs.66 lakh, Bharuch- Rs. 41.25 lakh and Panchmahal gets Rs. 72.98 lakh under IWDP.

Ministry has released 127.89 lakh to two districts of Madhya Pradesh for implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme IWDP. Shajapur district gets Rs.74.98 lakh as third installment and Barwali district gets Rs.52.91 lakh under this scheme.

The development of wastelands and degraded lands under the programme is expected to promote the generation of employment in the rural areas besides enhancing the participation of people at all stages – leading to sustainable development of land and equitable sharing of the benefits.