Chennai, Aug 9 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Tuesday criticised the central government for not providing any special assistance to the state for its developmental and welfare schemes.

Intervening during a debate on the state budget in the assembly, Jayalalithaa said the central government has not responded to the state's demand for assistance to the tune of Rs.252,000 crore.

She said the government had sought financial assistance for the welfare of the fishermen, interlinking of rivers in the state, generation of solar power, providing free laptops to the students and other works.

Referring to Congress legislator Vijayadharini's statement that the central government had provided Rs.23,535 crore to Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa said it was the annual plan outlay sanctioned after her discussions with Planning Commisison Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in New Delhi.

She said of the total plan outlay, the central government's assistance is only Rs.2,829.50 crore.

Jaylalithaa said the balance Rs.20,705.50 crore is spent out of the state's financial sources.