Modi painting a false picture of Gujarat: Modhwadia

Gandhinagar, Mar 7: Leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly Arjun Modhwadia alleged that the BJP Government is playing a ''jugglery with figures'' to paint a rosy picture about the state.

Speaking in the House during the general debate on the budget proposals presented by Gujarat Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala on February 23, Mr Modhwadia said yesterday the budget statement has not indicated the break-ups and details of the expenditure.

He alleged that the Modi Government is favouring big industrial houses by going lax in sales tax recovery. He cited the example of a private electricity company which provides power to Surat city and owes Rs 3,000 crore in taxes.

He further alleged that the much-publicised 'Sujalam Sufalam Yojana', aimed at benefitting the rural parts of the state, is facing hiccups. The scheme, introduced in 2004 for a three-year period with an outlay of Rs 6,200 crore, has been infused with only Rs 2,200 crore, he said while alleging that most beneficiaries were government officials.

Another state government scheme 'Kuwarbainu Mameru', which was introduced in 18,000 villages to provide financial assistance to poor girls for their marriage, has been given to only 1,600 beneficiaries, he said.

The Narmada project's distribution canal network has been completed only to 14,000 kilometers against the planned 85,000 kilometers, Mr Modhwadia further said. He also referred to the vacancies in state-run schools saying 15,000 vacancies for teachers have to be filled while 20,000 class-rooms need to be built.

UNI