The UPA government is gearing up to relaunch the 20-point programme, once synonymous with the Indira Gandhi era, to bring ‘‘primary healthcare and electricity to every rural home’’. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is said to have prepared a Cabinet note suggesting that the government merge the 20-point programme with National Common Minimum Programme.However, there was apprehension in government circles about the programme’s relaunch not being appreciated by the Left that sees it as a dilution of NCMP, which is an alliance document.It was initially felt that the 20-point programme would in a way replicate the mandate and agenda of NCMP, sources said. However, Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Oscar Fernandes, is keen to revamp the programme so that it would complement NCMP. Fernandes reportedly even held a meeting with the PM so that the electricity and healthcare programme could be relaunched in target areas. Development of biogas plants in rural areas was also identified as one programmes the new-look 20-point programme would fund.
