No welfare scheme implemented during NDA regime: Chidambaram

Hyderabad, July 19 (UNI) Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today alleged that the previous BJP-led NDA government at the Centre did not implement welfare schemes for the poor during its regime.

Launching the 'Rajiv Arogyashree' scheme in the capital city here, Mr Chidambaram claimed that the Congress-led UPA government had introduced many welfare schemes, keeping the poor at the forefront of economic development.

Asking why the NDA had not implemented schemes like NREGP, JNNURM, Right To Information (RTI) Act and educational loans for the economically backward students, he said the state governments should use the money allocated by the Centre under various schemes.

Stating that the Centre had allocated Rs 9,061 crore for 213 projects in Andhra Pradesh under the JNNURM, Mr Chidambaram said the Centre had allocated Rs 2,360 crore grant to the state to take up the Hyderabad metro rail project.

Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy said the estimated cost of the metro rail project was increased to Rs 11,714 crore from Rs 9,696 crore by adding 108 coaches to the existing 219 coaches.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said the Centre was providing assistance to his government by allocating sufficient funds for the 'Jalayagnam' (irrigation projects) and infrastructure development under the JNNURM programme.

Claiming that his government had implmented all poll promises made in the 2004 election, Dr Reddy said that under the 'Arogyashree' scheme, poor could avail free medical treatment for all diseases except organ transplantation in corporate hospitals.

UNI AP VA DS PK KN1748