New Delhi, Mar 26 (IANS): Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday hailed NYAY, the income guarantee scheme announced by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, and said every family in the poorest 20 per cent will get an income support of Rs 6,000 a month.

"Happy that Congress President announced NYAY. Under NYAY, the poorest 20 per cent of families will get a uniform amount of Rs 72,000 year. In other words, every family in the poorest 20 per cent will be given an income support of Rs 6,000 a month. We have consulted economists, this is doable, and we will adhere to fiscal discipline," Chidambaram said in a series of tweets.

Announcing the minimum income guarantee scheme earlier in the day, Gandhi said nearly 25 crore poor people will get a financial assistance of Rs 72,000 per annum if the party is voted to power.

According to Gandhi, the scheme will directly benefit 5 crore families and 25 crore individuals.

"The minimum income line is Rs 12,000 per month. Whatever the difference, say the income is Rs 6,000, we will top it up. Those who earn less than Rs 12,000, we will take their earnings to Rs 12,000," Gandhi said.