This Article is From Jan 15, 2010

Mayawati's 54th birthday presents

Mayawati's 54th birthday presents
Lucknow: Her birthdays have been linked to controversial spending. Lavish media campaigns on her achievements and suggested donations from party members and patrons.

But this year, as Mayawati turns 54, it's her return gifts that are dazzling.

Mayawati has announced schemes worth over 7,000 crore rupees to help the poorest in Uttar Pradesh.

Gramsabhas across the state will identify people below the poverty line who currently don't benefit from any government schemes. Starting now, these poor families will get three hundred rupees a month.

''Through this scheme, the government wants to provide every poor person in the state the means to buy the basic needs of life,'' announced the Chief Minister.

Riding high after sweeping Legislative Council Elections, she also announced 27,000 prisoners will be freed.

But just in case anyone forgot who was at the centre, there was a formal release of her updated biography.
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