Centre metes out injustice to BPL in Guj: Modi

Songadh, Gujarat, May 11 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today held the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre responsible for depriving those living below poverty line (BPL) of the benefits of government schemes.

''Gujarat is taking long strides in development. Our government is determined for the betterment of the poor in the state. However, the Centre's decision to exclude poor families from the list of BPL is very disheartening. The state government will raise its voice against Centre's apathetic attitude towards the poor in Gujarat,'' Mr Modi said while addressing a women's convention here, about 70 km from Surat, in South Gujarat.

Speaking on the welfare of women in the state, Mr Modi said ''The state government has made three lakh women, property owners, by granting them the right to property ownership. Now, the government will give rights to women for the government's housing schemes.'' The Chief Minister also expressed his resolve to end the menace of female foeticide in the state.

On the occasion, Lijjat Papad gifted a cheque of Rs 1,51,000 to Mr Modi for women's education in the state.

Among those who participated in the function included former MP of Songadh Mansingh Patel, legislators Mohanbhai Dhodia, Dhansukhbhai Patel, Kantibhai Patel, Pravinbhai Patel and women leaders from villeges around Songadh.

UNI