In the midst of controversies, UPA paints rosy picture of govt

Seeking to dispel the perception of gloom amid scams and controveries, the UPA today painted a rosy picture of its government's performance during the last nine years, contending the fruits of economic growth have reached both urban and rural areas.
In the 'Report to the People', released by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi on the fourth anniversary of UPA-II, the government presented figures to highlight growth in employment and doubling of wages under MNREGA, three-fold increase in food subsidy, growth in social sector schemes and tele-density.
The function organised for the release of the report at the Prime Minister's residence was attended by Congress allies NCP chief Sharad Pawar, RLD chief Ajit Singh.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Defence Minister A K Antony were among the key leaders present at the ceremony.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath termed the completion of UPA's nine years in government as a "moment of celebration and rejoicing".
Talking about economic security, the report said consumption has "increased phenomenally" both in urban and rural areas "as fruits of economic growth reached the people".

The UPA painted the positive picture at a time when the government is hit by scams and controversies.
Due to government's pro-poor policies, consumption in rural areas registered an increase of 3.4 per cent from mere 0.8 per cent during 1999 to 2004 (when NDA was in power), it said.

"This establishes the fact that the economic growth during UPA is both inclusive and widespread," it said.