Welfare schemes to continue despite Planning Commissions objections: CM

Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Wednesday ruled out  the possibility going back on any of the  schemes initiated by the government even if the Planning Commission expresses its  opinion that such schemes are a burden  on the State exchequer.

The Chief Minister said that the Planning Commission has the right to raise objections over the expenditure by the state government to implement schemes like free power to farmers and the widely appreciated ‘Arogyasri’ health insurance. However, the CM opined `` the Planning Commission at best can raise objections but it cannot suggest scrapping of the schemes altogether.''

"The Planning Commission can at best reject funding for any schemes but not suggest scrapping it," Mr Rosaiah added..

He was answering questions posed by media persons at the media point  in the Assembly after reports came in of the Planning Commission raising objections to many of the state government’s schemes.

Mr Rosaiah said, "Some members of the Planning Commission individually raised objections to our schemes even in 2004-05. But we have been implementing the schemes despite lack of financial assistance from the Centre." The Chief Minister said that these comments do not bother  the government.

"Only the observations made by the Deputy Chairman before finalising the State Plan carry weight. So we need not read much into it."