New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) Vidarbha, the backward region of Maharashtra requires Rs 10,000 crore annually to help solve its several problems from failing crops, extreme poverty and unemployment, and there is a also a need to draw up a special action plan for this 'neglected' area, Rajya Sabha MP Datta Meghe said today.

The NCP member, in his private members' resolution in the House said the widespread area was reeling under extreme poverty and neglect.

The region was so big that a separate state can be carved out, Mr Meghe opined.

He said the region had 51 lakh hectares of land without irrigation facilities. Farmers in 11 of the region's districts have committed suicides and many are dying of malnutrition.

Mr Meghe said weaving mills have been closed down and the once lucrative orange cultivation was going down.

He urged the governmment to draw up a special action plan for speedier development of this region and provide adequate financial asistance to implement the plan.

The government has not been able to generate sufficient employment in the country even for those who possess technical qualifications like engineering, medicine etc, Mr Meghe added.

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