Jaipur, June 08: Trying to absolve himself from allegations of mismanagement of drought in the election year, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today put the blame on the Centre saying it not only delayed the financial assistance but also cut it to mere Rs 700 crores. Rajasthan, which is facing drought for the fourth consecutive year had submitted a memorandum of its demand of Rs 7519 crores in august last year, but the Centre had sanctioned only Rs.700 crores in phases, Gehlot told a press conference here.
"We always sought Centre's assistance, both in cash and foodgrains, but it took seven months for the Centre to issue it in installments", he remarked.
He said the Centre should take famine relief measures, mid-day meal, educated employment schemes and crop insurance matters "seriously" and take "quick decisions" so that the state could manage it.
"To carry forward the famine relief works, the state had to downsize its annual plan to meet exigencies", Gehlot said.
Asked whether the minister's conclave yesterday was called to take populist steps on the eve of polls, Gehlot said, "it should not be linked with polls as his Congress government was committed to implement promises made in manifesto".
Speaking on the chargesheeted BJP leaders in the disputed structure demolition case in Ayodhya, Gehlot said, "it was the nation's misfortune that such leaders were still in power and holding top ministerial posts".
Bureau Report