TN renaming Centre’s schemes: Union Minister

COIMBATORE: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs Bishweswar Tudu on Wednesday accused the DMK of renaming the Centre’s schemes to implement them as state government projects.

Speaking to reporters, after holding a review meeting in Salem, Tudu said the DMK’s family rule in Tamil Nadu has not brought any new scheme, but were implementing only the central government schemes after renaming them.

Claiming that the central government has sanctioned maximum funds to Tamil Nadu, Tudu said the Ministry of Jal Shakti has given Rs 6,281 crore to the state to implement various schemes.

“However, the state government does not make its contributions on time. Without properly implementing the central government funded projects, the state government also diverts those funds for other works,” he said.

Further, Tudu said the state government had given free water connections under the Jal Jeevan Scheme to just 53 per cent of households. “This scheme has been extended till 2024 as the state government could not reach the target of accomplishing the project by 2022. I have even received complaints that officials were demanding bribes to provide water connection under the Jal Jeevan Scheme in Yercaud Hills. The state government should ensure that the connections are given free of cost,” he said.

The Union Minister said that of the 700 special schools to be built for education of tribal children across India, eight schools will be in Tamil Nadu. “Of them, construction of two schools have finished, while works were underway for four schools and works commenced in two schools,” he said.

Tudu also said it is unfortunate that a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not been placed in government offices across the state.