The model code of conduct for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections has cast its shadow over the implementation of the subsidized rice schemes for the poor people in the state.
The Chhattisgarh government had announced to implement the schemes from April 1. Under the schemes, about 700000 Antyodaya (poorest of the poor) cardholders would get a kilogram of rice for Rs 1 while 3.7 million people living below poverty line (BPL) would purchase a kilogram of rice for Rs 2.
Sources in the state electoral office said that the Election Commission (EC) had banned the implementation of the schemes in wake of model code of conduct coming into effect for the general elections. The state will go to the polls on April 16.
Besides the rice schemes, free power to the farmers using pumps upto 5 HP and the implementation of the sixth pay commission report for the state government employees would also be put on hold. The government had announced to introduce the schemes from the new fiscal.
Even in the state’s budget outlay for the financial year 2009-10, the state government had made the provision of about Rs 3000 crore for the schemes that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced before the state assembly elections that ended up in December last.
The senior officials with state’s finance department had earlier said that code of conduct would not come in its way to implement the schemes from the new fiscal. The state government had announced the schemes much before and had even made the budgetary provision for it, they had explained.
