In the midst of uproar over hike in petrol prices, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh today attacked the policy of subsidising diesel, kerosene and LPG and suggested that a roadmap be chalked out for phasing it out as the needy are not benefited. "In our country if we combine diesel, Kerosene and LPG, Rs 1,90,000 crore is the amount of subsidy given. The budget of the entire Rural Development and Drinking Water ministries in comparison is Rs 99,000 crore," Ramesh told reporters here. "What kind of country is this? For development of rural areas Rs 99,000 crore and such heavy subsidy for diesel SUVs. For defence we spend Rs 1,00,080 crore but give much more as subsidy," he added.
