No scrapping of "populist" schemes: Andhra Pradesh chief minister

Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah today said none of the "populist" schemes of his government would be scrapped even if they invite adverse observations from the Planning Commission that finds them a big drain on the state exchequer.

"The Planning Commission can at best reject funding for any scheme but not suggest scrapping it," the chief minister told reporters in his chamber in the state assembly after his reaction was sought to reports that the Planning Commission raised serious objections to many of the state government schemes like free power to agriculture sector and health insurance.
    
"Some members of the Planning Commission individually raised objections to our schemes even in 2004-05. But we have been implementing the schemes despite lack of financial assistance from the Centre," he said adding these comments did not matter.

"Only the observations made by the deputy chairman before finalising the State Plan carry weight. So we need not read much into it," the chief minister said.

Rosaiah remained evasive on the long-overdue expansion of the state Cabinet.
    
"No muhurtam (auspicious date) has been fixed for it," he quipped.

Meanwhile, government sources said the chief minister would be visiting New Delhi for a day on April 3 to discuss the Cabinet reshuffle issue with the party high command. The Cabinet reshuffle is expected on either April 4 or 8, both days considered auspicious.