'Rural Devp Min has nothing to do with free mobiles proposal'

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 31 2013 | 7:55 PM IST
In the wake of reports that the government was planning to provide free mobile phones to MNREGA workers, Union minister Jairam Ramesh today said the "Ministry of Rural Development has nothing to do with the proposal".
"I am not sure who has made the proposal, I am not sure on what context the proposal has been made," the Rural Development Minister said.
Reports had said that one member of every rural household who has completed 100 days of work under MNREGA may get free mobile device under a new programme aimed at empowerment.
The reports quoting officials had said that under the 'Bharat Mobile Scheme', one mobile may be provided per household, preferably to a woman.
Officials had said that the programme is under discussion and details of the schemes are yet to be finalised.
Around 5 crore households have been provided work in 2012-13.
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First Published: Jul 31 2013 | 7:55 PM IST

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