Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister urged the Union Finance Minister for financial assistance for the state
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman in New Delhi today.
The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to provide financial assistance to the State as per the recommendation of the 15th Finance Commission. He said that Himachal Pradesh lacks resources for investment in infrastructure projects, especially in Kangra, Mandi airports, hence financial assistance is important for the development of the state.
He told the Union Minister that a tourism project of Rs.1892 crore is required to be approved for funding to the Asia Development Bank (ADB). He urged for early approval of this project.
The Chief Minister also urged the state to provide GST compensation due from the Government of India for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-2020. He also urged the Union Minister to expedite negotiations with the World Bank for funding the Himachal Hydro Power and Renewable Energy Sector Development Programme. He also discussed allowing ropeway connectivity as an alternative means of connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Talking about the Bhanupally-Bilaspur rail line, the Chief Minister also urged to fully fund all the railway projects of national importance by the Government of India keeping in view the scarce resources of Himachal Pradesh. The Union Minister assured to provide all possible help to the state. Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister J.C. Sharma and Deputy Residential Commissioner Pankaj Sharma were also present on the occasion along with the Chief Minister.
