Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Saturday accused the Central government of not aiding in the state`s development schemes, while pledging to improve the law and order situation and find a "permanent solution" to the power shortage.
She unfurled the tricolour in front of the state Assembly and in her speech alleged that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was "not co-operating in the development schemes of the state".
"The Central government has still not released the Rs 80,000 crore (Rs 800 billion) package we sought for undertaking development schemes in the state, particularly for the backward regions in Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal," Mayawati said.
"I want to make it clear that non-cooperation by the Central government will not come in the way of Uttar Pradesh`s development as our government is determined to carry out development with its limited resources," she added.
Expressing concern over the scanty rainfall in Uttar Pradesh and its effect on crops, Mayawati said, "Our government has earmarked Rs 580 crore to carry out relief measures in all the drought-hit districts. I have instructed an additional responsibility to senior officials to ensure farmers, labourers and financially weak people in the drought-affected districts do not face any kind of problems."
Of the 71 districts in the state, 58 were declared drought-hit in three phases in the last week of July.
The Chief Minister said her government was aiming to make Uttar Pradesh a "power-surplus` state. “For this, we are making war-footing efforts. By 2014, we aim to provide a permanent solution to power cuts."
Highlighting a number of welfare schemes launched by her, Mayawati said her government was working on several projects for improving the education of girls, upgrading health infrastructure and creating more jobs.
She said maintaining law and order would remain her government`s priority. "I want to make it clear that under any circumstances my government will not compromise with law and order."
Mayawati later awarded three `Utkrisht Sewa Medals` to policemen who had shown exemplary courage.
Governor BL Joshi hoisted the national flag at the Raj Bhawan and all government buildings were decked up for the occasion.
While a number of cultural programmes were held in schools and colleges, patriotic songs blared from loudspeakers installed at different parts of the city.
IANS
