New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi on Thursday blamed Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments for lack of development in Bundelkhand and accused them of improper channelisation of funds meant for centrally-sponsored welfare schemes.
"Today poor people are aware. They know what is good or bad for them. The real problem or lacunae is that the government is not reaching you. Especially governments in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have such deficiency," he said interacting with a group of people from Bundelkhand who told him about problems related to lack of development.
The Congress General Secretary said that there was no shortage of funds for the welfare of poor people and blamed "poor" governance for lack of development. "There is no dearth of funds in central government. Whatever growth is happening in India, it is contributing to the economy. But the real problem is that we are unable to send that money to you," Gandhi said.
Recalling the words of his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi that only 15 paisa of Rs one sent by the Centre reaches its beneficiary, he assured the people of all possible help from the Centre.
"When I was in Bundelkhand I had listened to your grievances. Several thousand crores have been released from Delhi for the development of your area.... But it is sad to note that money does not reach you. "My father used to say that only 15 paisa of Rs one sent by the Centre reaches the masses. We have to do one thing in future that if we send Rs one, it should reach you as it is," Gandhi said amid applause from the gathering in Mawlankar hall.
He briefed the people about different flagships programme including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MNREGA) scheme and `Aadhaar` and asked people to enroll themselves to get their benefits. "I am happy that you came here from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. I assure you whatever problems you have shared will be resolved," said the Congress party scion. PTI