Bhubaneswar, July 20: The central government seems to be unhappy with the implementation of central schemes for the welfare of religious minorities in the state.

“We have received several complaints alleging that the benefits of various central schemes have not reached the minorities, be it the Christians, the Muslims or other minority communities,” said Union minister of state for minority affairs Ninong Ering.

The central government’s flagship scheme, Multi Sectoral Development Programme, was implemented only in Gajapati district, said the Union minister, who reviewed implementation of central government-funded schemes for welfare of minority communities here today.

Odisha has a sizeable chunk of Christian population in tribal dominated districts such as Kandhamal, Gajapati, Sundergarh, Rayagada and Mayurbhanj, while Muslim community live mostly in the coastal districts such as Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Khurda, Bhadrak and Balasore in large numbers.

“Fruits of the central schemes should reach all beneficiaries,” he said, adding that he had discussed the matter with the chief minister and departmental minister.

“We will try to ensure that the benefits of the minority welfare schemes reach the genuine people,” he said.

State’s minority welfare secretary, however, Santosh Sarangi refuted the allegation. “We have been very successful in the implementation of the Multi Sectoral Development Programme in Gajapati district. We have spent 86 per cent funds, which is highest at the national level,” he said.