Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayanasamy on Thursday said that despite implementing key components of Central Government's Bharat Nirman Yojana in Jharkhand and Orissa, if the two State governments requested, a special package could be considered.

He also said that special schemes like the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and NREGA are being implemented in both Jharkhand and Orissa.

"Though as of now no proposal seeking special package has come from Jharkhand and Orissa, if any such request comes from these states, then it will be considered," Narayanasamy said while replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha.

All programmes address the issue of poverty in rural areas and regional disparities through improvement in infrastructure and connectivity, he said. (ANI)