Rajasthan CM seeks centre's help on welfare schemes

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Tuesday sought the central government's support for the state's debt-ridden power companies and other welfare schemes.

Raje sought help at a meeting with union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely in New Delhi. Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal was also present at the meeting, an official statement said here.

"The chief minister, while discussing various issues concerning the power companies in the state, told the finance minister that the total debit of these companies has crossed Rs.77,543 crore due to financial mismanagement of the preceding state government," the statement said.

Accusing the previous Congress government of failing to curb rise in transmission and distribution losses, she said that during her previous tenure, the losses were reduced from 41 percent to 27 percent, which shot up again during the Congress rule.