Tamil Nadu: On the freebies that were promised in the DMK-Congress election manifesto in Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram said the parties were promising to give an additional subsidy of Rs 1.50 per kg.
This would be over and above the Rs 2.15 that the state govenrment already provides on rice, which it procures at Rs 5.65 per kg from the Centre.
Refusing to accept that selling rice at Rs two per kg as a 'freebie', Chidambaram told a TV channel, "That is a felt need of the state. There has been cases of starvation deaths and severe agrarian distress for the last three years."
He said, given the state's resources and the possibility to raise it further, the scheme was feasible to implement.
"Whether it is desirable or not people will decide," he added.
The other promises made prior to the elections also included giving away coloured Television sets to the people.
On the promise to provide colour television, the Finance Minister said, the scheme could be implemented without being a burden on the state budget through an investment promise, supplier's credit and staggered implementation for three-four years.
Asked if the Centre would make a similar promise, he said, "We don't have to", as the priorities of Centre and State differ.
"Centres priority is into the flagship schemes like primary education and healthcare, national employment guarantee scheme and Bharat Nirman." said Chidambaram.
"Why be judgmental of state's priorities. They are different from state to state," he added.
Comments
0 comment