In the ongoing debate on pending railway projects, a discussion unfolded in the lok sabha on the reasons behind the delay in several railway infrastructure projects across the country. Union Railway Minister, while responding to a question posed by mp Hibi Eden regarding the stalled railway projects in Kerala, highlighted that one of the primary reasons for these delays was issues related to land acquisition from the State's side. This assertion put the onus of responsibility on the state governments, particularly in Kerala, for the incomplete railway projects.
However, tamil Nadu mp T.R. Baalu quickly interjected to offer a contrasting perspective. While agreeing that land acquisition can be a significant hurdle in the progress of these projects, Baalu emphasized that the Centre cannot solely blame the state governments for the delays. He pointed to similar issues in tamil Nadu, noting that various railway projects in the state were also delayed. However, he argued that it was not entirely the responsibility of the state governments, and the Centre should be more proactive in engaging with the states to address these challenges.
Baalu urged the Centre to collaborate more effectively with state governments to facilitate smoother project completion. He emphasized that the blame game between the Centre and states was counterproductive and that a joint effort was required to resolve these long-standing issues. According to Baalu, states cannot be left solely accountable for delays, especially when central agencies often play a pivotal role in planning and executing these projects.
This statement by Baalu can be compared with earlier proceedings in the lok sabha, where the central government had frequently cited issues like land acquisition and state-level bureaucratic hurdles as the main reasons for the slow pace of infrastructure development. In those debates, many opposition leaders had raised concerns about the central government's lack of adequate outreach and support to state governments, particularly in the context of complex and multi-layered projects like railways.
His point that the Centre should take a more proactive role in addressing the challenges faced by states, including land acquisition and coordination, is valid for several reasons.
Role of the Centre in Planning and Funding: Railway projects, particularly large-scale infrastructure projects, involve significant central planning and funding. While states do play a role in facilitating land acquisition, the Centre, through agencies like the Ministry of Railways, plays a crucial role in determining the scope, timeline, and budget of these projects. If these projects are delayed, it could be due to central delays in approvals, insufficient funding, or other central administrative challenges that are not always accounted for in state-level discussions.
Land Acquisition Challenges: While land acquisition is often cited as a reason for delays, it is not always a straightforward issue. States, especially in regions with dense populations or complex legal frameworks, face significant challenges in acquiring land. However, the Centre can play a more collaborative role in helping resolve land-related disputes or offering technical and financial assistance to expedite the process.
Coordination Between State and Centre: As Baalu rightly points out, a better partnership between the Centre and states is essential. Railway projects often span multiple states, and delays in one state can affect the overall progress of the project. The Centre must engage with state governments more effectively to address concerns, offer solutions, and work together to overcome obstacles.
Political Considerations: Often, the issue of pending projects is also influenced by political considerations. States governed by opposition parties might face delays in the approval of central schemes. Therefore, it is essential for both sides to focus on the common goal of public service delivery rather than engage in a blame game.
Why Can't They Ask?
While it is valid for Baalu to raise these concerns, it's important to consider why such issues might not be easily addressed:
Political Sensitivity: In indian politics, both the Centre and states often try to avoid taking responsibility for delays, as it reflects poorly on their governance. This creates a reluctance to openly question or criticize each other's roles in project delays.
Administrative Challenges: Many central policies and decisions take time to implement at the state level. For example, if the Centre delays the release of funds or the final approval for a project, it affects the state government's ability to proceed smoothly. Acknowledging this in a public forum like the lok sabha could be politically uncomfortable for the Centre.
Lack of Communication: There may also be a communication gap between the Centre and the states, leading to misunderstandings or delays in resolving land acquisition or other issues. Baalu’s call for better coordination and outreach could be seen as an attempt to bridge this gap.
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