Monday, June 26 2006 17:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jaisalmer: Maintaining that the Centre does not discriminate between states in providing financial assistance for drought relief, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today (June 26, 2006) criticised the BJP government in Rajasthan saying itsrelief management was poor.

"Rajasthan, which has drought in 22 out of 32 districts in the state is getting more than what it deserves," he said.

"There were number of complaints by labourers, wages were not equally paid, the relief management is poor and facilities in the relief camps were insufficient and payments were made after ten days to the labourers," she told reporters after visiting village Sam, 40 kms from here, to assess drought relief works.

She was replying to a query on BJP government's request to the Centre for more funds and assistance in terms of foodgrains.

Gandhi, on a two-day visit to Rajasthan to assess drought relief works, also said the Centre was providing all possible assistance to states to tide over various crises and there was no discrimination.

Earlier interacting with a group of women involved in drought relief works at Damodara village, she said she would urge the Centre to provide relief to drought victims in Jaisalmer district under a Central scheme.

"I will take up the matter with the Central Government for Rashtriya Grameen Rozgar Guarantee Yojana," she said.

Some women in the group told Gandhi that relief given to them was grossly inadequate.

She was accompanied by Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot and PCC president Dr B D Kalla.