With Eye On Poll Code Deadline, Ashok Gehlot's Cash Schemes Raises Row

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been criss-crossing the state to promote his wide range of welfare schemes ahead of the assembly, which will be held later this year

The BJP has criticised Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over promising to give cash to women to buy mobile phones or other electronics of their choice instead of giving them the devices directly.

Mr Gehlot has been criss-crossing the state to promote his wide range of welfare schemes ahead of the assembly, which will be held later this year.

"We are trying to give a certain amount (of money) to women of the state for buying mobile phones of their choice instead of giving the devices under a scheme. Giving smartphones is a way to empower women," Mr Gehlot said, referring to his 'Free Mobile Yojana'.

Mr Gehlot's announcement to give smart phones and SIM cards to 1.33 crore women is likely to cost the state over Rs 12,000 crore. The tender for this scheme may not make it before the election code kicks in - which could be one of the reasons why Mr Gehlot is promising to give cash instead.