Considering Maharastra's proposal on Kumbh mela: Government

NEW DELHI: Government is considering Maharashtra's proposal to provide funds for taking up various works for Simhashtha Kumbh Mela to be held from July 2015 to August 2016, Parliament was informed today.

"Even though organising a fair is a state subject, given the importance of the event, the proposal of state is under active consideration of the government for which an appropriate framework for providing assistance has been finalised," Planning Minister Rao Inderjit Singh said in written reply to Lok Sabha.

He said that a proposal for providing assistance for the Mela at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra has been received.

The proposal indicate that about Rs 2,378 crore would be required to fund the Mela.

The works proposed to be undertaken for the propose include creation of temporary and some semi-permanent structure relating to essential civic services such as water, sanitation, health and hygiene, drainage, solid waste management, shelter, fire service, access to women/differently abled persons, renovation/repair/construction of roads and brides.

Centrally sponsored schemes: Meanwhile, in reply to another question in the House, Singh said that government has no proposal to reduce the quantum of funds for various centrally sponsored schemes.

He also said no deadline has been fixed for project approvals by the government.