Rahul unhappy with NREGS' progress in UP

Amethi, May 16 (UNI) Expressing his dissatisfaction on the progress of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary and party youth icon Rahul Gandhi today asked the locals to draw the attention of the state government into the issue.

Mr Gandhi addressing a gathering here said, ''the NREGS is the Centre's most important scheme, but it is sad to see its progress in the state.'' Besides, he asked the youth to come forward in unity and work with positive feeling for the welfare of the nation.

''We have to come forward in unity irrespective of castes and religion,'' the Congress leader said on the first day of his visit.

Setting the example of the success of the Self Help Groups (SHG) in Andhra Pradesh and Orrisa, the MP advised the people to form such groups with the assistance of banks, as it would help in accelerating the development of the country.

Mr Gandhi also inaugurated a ''Rashtriya Ekta Shivir'' under the auspices of Nehru Youth centre and interacted with the representatives of other states.

During his two -days trip, Mr Gandhi is also expected to address block meetings, judges and gram panchayat presidents.

The youth leader would spend the night at Sanjay Gandhi's hospital guest house and leave for Delhi tomorrow.

UNI XC-JAS LPB HT1912