Plan panel has praised, not criticised, Andhra schemes: CMO

HYDERABAD: In the wake of criticism from Telugu Desam and other Opposition parties following reports that the Planning Commission faulted the implementation of various welfare schemes, the Andhra Pradesh government on Monday said the plan panel did not criticise any of the schemes.

"In fact, the Planning Commission appreciated the efforts of the state government for inclusive growth and also for the successful implementation of various social welfare schemes for the poor and the common man and simultaneously achieving better economic growth," the Chief Minister's Office said in a release.

Chief secretary and other senior officials explained the objectives and functioning of various welfare schemes and developmental programmes to the Planning Commission officials during discussions held last week, it said.

"Planning Commission has shown appreciation of the progress of Andhra Pradesh in various sectors. The Commission has particularly lauded the programmes under social, welfare and rural development, rural employment guarantee schemes, social security pensions and a number of other developmental initiatives and innovative schemes of the state government," it said.