Benefits not percolated to lower level: Rahul

Dindori, MP, Apr 27 (UNI) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said an endeavour was made through various central schemes to improve living standards of the poor and tribals, but unfortunately the benefits had ''not percolated'' to the lower level.

''The Centre's Congress-led government is a regime that works for the interest of the poor. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and others comprise a medium for tribal welfare,'' he said, while addressing a 'Baiga Mahapanchayat' at this district's Chanda village last evening.

The objective of the event, organised by the voluntary organisation Ekta Parishad, was to acquaint the Amethi MP with tribals' problems. Parishad Convenor Raman Singh Parmar informed Mr Gandhi at length about Baigas.

Earlier, the Congress leader was given a warm traditional welcome after he arrived by helicopter. Union Minister V Narayanasamy and Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee President Suresh Pachouri were among those present.

UNI XC-AC GL KP1831