In its bid to have a direct interaction with the voters in national Capital for Lok Sabha polls, Delhi Congress headed by Sheila Dikshit has planned to launch “Aay Pe Charcha” (discussion on income) from April 1 to generate awareness among people about benefits of the “historic” minimum income guarantee scheme’ announced by party president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.
Terming the Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) announcement as an “extraordinary step”, Sheila said this is the biggest scheme announced ever for the poor after the highly successful MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act).
“This stupendous scheme will benefit the people below the poverty line in the country. It is the first time that such a step has been taken in the world,” said Sheila, adding that it will empower the poorest in the country.
Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), Sheila said it is strange that the BJP Government which has coined “hollow” slogans such as “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and “Achchhe Din” seems to be rattled by the announcement.
Sheila said the Congress will implement the scheme for five crore poor families in the country after it forms the next Government in the country. “The formalities (of the scheme) will be worked out after Congress forms the Government and implements it,” she said.
Brushing aside accusations of the BJP that the scheme will put a heavy burden on the economy of the country and it would not be practical to implement the scheme, Sheila said, “The party has taken all possibilities into consideration for the successful implementation of the scheme, it would be implemented without delay”.
Former Minister and four times MLA Haroon Yusuf said the Congress has taken a big initiative to address the demand of “Roti, Kapada and Makan” by announcing the move.
Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia also hit back at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which termed Gandhi’s announcement as a “Jumla”, saying that what happened to the ruling party promise of installing CCTV cameras in the Capital.
Pointing out the report of ‘Economic Survey 2016-17’, Lilothia said according to it India under the Congress rule had reduced poverty drastically. He claimed by citing the report that poverty came down to 22 per cent in 2011-12 which was 70 per cent during Independence.
“With the path-breaking scheme, the Congress will eradicate the remaining 20 per cent poverty from the country. In place of “Chai Pe Charcha”, a new programme “Aay Pe Charcha” will be launched which has been appreciated by all,” he said.
Rahul on Monday in a lucrative poll promise announced that Rs 72,000 per year will be given as minimum income to poor families if his party is voted to power in Lok Sabha polls. Rahul also said it will be the “final assault” on poverty as 20 per cent or five crore families belonging to the poorest category with monthly income less than Rs 12,000 would come under the scheme.