Nabard’s Fund Allocation To Vidarbha Region Biased A political dispute has emerged over the allocation of Rs500 crore by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) for rural infrastructure projects, with the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) accusing the Maharashtra government of favoring western Maharashtra. The group claims the distribution of funds for 148 public works projects reflects a “blatant regional imbalance,” leaving Vidarbha with a “meagre share” despite its historical grievances. The VRAS criticized the state government for failing to secure equitable treatment for its own region, arguing that decision-making remains skewed in favor of western districts. According to data cited by the committee, western Maharashtra’s five districts received Rs237 crore—nearly half of the total allocation. Satara emerged as the largest beneficiary, securing Rs150 crore, or 33% of the funds. Other western districts, including Pune (Rs20.86 crore), Kolhapur (Rs26.19 crore), Sangli (Rs17.21 crore), and Ahilyanagar (Rs23.35 crore), collectively accounted for a significant portion of the allocation. In contrast, Vidarbha’s 11 districts were allotted Rs116 crore, while Marathwada’s eight districts received Rs55 crore. The committee highlighted that an equal distribution would have allocated Rs18.51 crore per district, but only Amravati in Vidarbha surpassed this average, receiving Rs23.18 crore. The VRAS described the allocation pattern as “shocking and unfortunate,” arguing that Vidarbha continues to face systemic neglect. The group accused the ruling alliance of perpetuating the dominance of western Maharashtra, a claim echoed by former MLA Wamanrao Chatap and other signatories of the statement.#maharashtra_government #vidarbha_rajya_andolan_samiti #wamanrao_chatap #nabard #srinivas_khandewale
