‘N-deal, not 'aam aadmi' friendly’

NEW DELHI: India can build 2,50,000 schools and impart primary education to 20 lakh children, or give quality medical care to 250 lakh people if the UPA does not seal the Indo-US nuclear deal, according to the CPI(M).

Politburo member Sitaram Yechury said by going the nuclear way, India will spend Rs2 lakh crore more than that which would be spent by using available alternatives.

“Can India afford such an expensive option? Imagine, this cost difference can build nearly 20,000 fully-equipped 100-bed public hospitals, or, 2,50,000 schools like the Navodaya Vidyalayas with full boarding facilities for 100 students?” he said.

The cost per megawatt of electricity would be Rs11 crore from imported nuclear reactors.