Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that he believes in his department's financial management as he dismissed economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia's remark that going back to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is a recipe to financial bankruptcy.
"We believe that the management we have, the financial management that our department has done... We have sat and discussed. We believe that there is no work which cannot be done," Gehlot told reporters after launching 5G internet service here on Saturday.
He said that all economists use their intellect but his government has belief in financial management done by its department.
Gehlot said that if the country can progress for 60 years after implementing OPS and giving pension to employees then it can continue with it now as well, and added that employees have a right to social security after retirement.
The Chief minister said that the state government decided to implement OPS from the point of view of "humanity."
He said that government employees work under pressure and are forced to indulge in corrupt practices to secure their and their families’ future.
He also accused the central government of exercising "discrimination" in providing OPS benefits to the Army and not the BSF, ITBP, and paramilitary forces, and asked why it was so.
Gehlot also targeted the BJP, the main opposition part in the sate, for not praising the state government's policies. He said that the opposition should appreciate good work of the government as it helps it appear more credible.
"If we do any reform, the opposition should also appreciate some things, only then their credibility will increase," he said.
He said that there is no anger against the Congress government in the state and BJP's Jan Aakrosh rallies were a damp squib.
Asked about the loan waivers for farmers, Gehlot said: "Opposition people keep spreading these lies. Loans of 22 lakh farmers have been waived, they are online for all to see. We have waived Rs 14,000 crore. All these facts are online. Still these people keep on lying."
Calling the introduction of 5G technology in the state a revolution, Gehlot said, "The 5G has started in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur and in the coming time more districts will be covered. The whole of Rajasthan will be covered. It is a complete revolution. This is a new beginning that has taken place in our state."
- With PTI Input
