In a significant development following a heated political exchange, the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj on Tuesday released the first instalment of ₹277 crore to the Jharkhand government under the 15th Finance Commission. This move comes days after the state's ruling alliance sharply criticized the BJP-led central government for alleged delays in disbursing funds for crucial welfare schemes.
A Meeting in Delhi and Political Crossfire
State Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh met her Union counterpart, Minister of Panchayati Raj Lalan Singh, in New Delhi on the same day. The purpose of the meeting, as stated by the state minister, was to thank the Union minister for releasing the funds. However, the encounter was not without its political undertones.
"I had met the minister today to thank him and discussed a wide range of issues," Deepika Pandey Singh told TOI. Her meeting raised eyebrows as state BJP leaders, including party president Babulal Marandi, were also present. The minister expressed surprise at their presence, stating she had independently sought an appointment with Lalan Singh for what she expected to be an official meeting with the minister and his officials.
BJP Blames State Government's "Negligence"
The release of funds follows a war of words between the treasury and opposition benches during the recently concluded winter session of the state assembly. The BJP had accused the state government of financial mismanagement, a charge it reiterated after the funds were released.
Babulal Marandi, who led a BJP delegation to meet both Lalan Singh and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar Khatik, claimed the delays were due to the state government's failings. "The reason behind pending scholarship amounts for backward class students is due to the state government's failure to inform the Centre at the appropriate time," Marandi asserted, blaming negligence, incompetence, and financial mismanagement by the Jharkhand administration.
State Minister Hits Back, Credits Assembly Pressure
Minister Deepika Pandey Singh swiftly hit back at the BJP's allegations, accusing them of spreading lies. She defended her department's actions, stating all necessary compliances had been met. She pointed the finger at the state's own panchayati raj department for procedural delays.
In a pointed remark, she suggested the Centre's action was a result of political pressure exerted in the assembly. "Only after we gheraoed BJP in the assembly, they have started meeting their leaders," she said, indicating that the opposition's uproar during the session prompted the central government to act. The Union ministry had recommended the release of funds to the state on December 12.
This episode highlights the ongoing tussle between the Jharkhand government and the Centre over finances, with welfare schemes for the state's citizens caught in the middle of the political blame game.
