By Sundeep Pouranik

Bhopal, May 2 (IANS): The Rs 7,600 crore "Bundelkhand package" is back in circulation in this election season after about a decade.

The package, aimed at changing the ground situation in the region that hits headlines due to issues, like poverty, starvation and migration, is yet to bring about any change due to corruption.

Addressing a gathering in Bundelkhand, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had pointed out irregularities in the implementation of the package. "Thousands of crores of rupees had been provided, but the BJP leaders simply siphoned off funds leaving the people high and dry," said Gandhi.

Asking Congress Chief Minister KamalNath to take action, he said "make available that amount to the people of Bundelkhand."

After travelling through villages of the region in 2008 and spending nights at the poor's homes, Gandhi came face to face with the stark realities of the region. It prompted him to propose a special package for Bundelkhand.

As the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance was in power, Gandhi got Rs 7,600 crore sanctioned. As per the plan, seven districts of UP and six districts of MP that together make the Bundelkhand was to be given a development impetus.

In MP, Rs 3,860 crore was accepted for six districts -- Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Panna and Datiya. The money was proposed to be spent on developing water resources, agriculture, irrigation, panchayat, health, horticulture, fishery and skill of youth, among others, with the help of departments concerned. But the situation has remained unchanged due to huge corruption.

"Development works included availability of water for drinking and irrigation and technical training to youths to make them self-dependent," said Pawan Ghuwara, social activist and state Congress Secretary, who is fighting the misuse of fund.

Talking to IANS, Ghuwara said: "There was a big and planned irregularity. The responsibilities to implement the scheme were given to either retired or about to retire officials. According to the government rule, legal action cannot be taken against an official after 4 years of his retirement."

The BJP leaders connived with these officers to mismanage the package, said Ghuwara.

Many dams built under the scheme got damaged within few years, irregularities were found in laying of water pipelines, canals and ponds were dug in dray and hilly areas, and farmers received sick goats under the package.

Then state Panchayat Minister Gopal Bhargava had raised the issue of sub-standard water pipelines in a letter to then Water Resources Minister Kusum Mahdele as well as other issues.

So what next? "Complaints against officials involved in irregularities are being probed and appropriate action will be taken," said an official, deputed in a department linked to the Bundelkhand Package.

According to the sources, many irregularities were unearthed as more than Rs 2,000 crore were spent on ill-conceived projects, bringing little benefit for the area and residents.

Such has been the level of corruption that a vehicle number, mentioned in the records as truck and used for transporting raw material, was of a scooty. In many cases, vehicles mentioned as trucks were actually jeeps and other smaller vehicles.

When the package was accepted, the people dreamt of change and a bright future, but their dreams got dashed soon.

Now that the Bundelkhand Package is in news again, people are keeping their fingers crossed. Will the issue will die after polls only to be revived for political gains by the next election or the Kamal Nath government will take action against scamsters and bring about some development, only time will tell.