FM P Chidambaram reviews implementation of central-sponsored schemes

SIVAGANGA (TN): Finance Minister P Chidambaram today reviewed implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes at a meeting here which was boycotted by panchayat union presidents and MLAs belonging to Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK.

Usually, 12 panchayat presidents, four MLAS and district union president participate in the meeting. However, today all 12 AIADMK panchayat union presidents and MLAS of Karaikudi and Sivaganga and the district union president boycotted the meeting, officials said.

Chidambaram was presiding a meeting of a district-level committee set up to monitor implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes such as Indira Gandhi Housing scheme and Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee scheme.

Two community halls built under MP local area development fund were inaugurated by Chidambaram at two places in Alavidaangan and Keelayur colony in the district.

Chidambaram said the "your money in your hand scheme" is being implemented to avoid brokers and middlemen. Besides, there was also "interference" in implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes.

Only in order to ensure that people got full benefits, government decided to tranfer the money directly into the account of the beneficiaries under various schemes, including old-age pension and rural employment, he said.

The educational loan scheme has benefited many rural students accross the country, he said.