Rajasthan Govt working for welfare of People - Gehlot

Free medicines for all, power surplus by 2013-14, long-term solutions for water and a metro system for the state capital... Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot says his government is simultaneously working on all sectors to further its commitment to the welfare of the people. In a major healthcare move, the government will provide free medicines at government hospitals to all sections of society, Gehlot said in a freewheeling interview to IANS covering a wide range of topics. The project, which will cover every one below and above the poverty line categories who register for treatment at government hospitals, will be launched Oct 2. "However, if we are able to complete all the modalities, we may introduce it even earlier," Gehlot said. "We are committed to the welfare of the people in every section of society. Our effort is to provide a transparent government with sensitivity towards the poor and weaker sections."

Detailing other welfare schemes, he said a housing policy had been launched to provide 500,000 houses to the economically weaker sections (EWS) and the low income group (LIG) in the next five years. There have also been steps taken to improve infrastructure, especially in the electricity and water sectors, the chief minister said. The government, he said, is committed to making Rajasthan a power surplus state by 2013-14. Projects involving more than 10,000 MW of power are under implementation at various stages. At present, the total power capacity is 9,053 MW and the current deficit is 10-15 percent depending upon the season.