Nitish for special assistance of Rs 4,100 crore per annum
Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday expressed happiness over the Planning Commission's decision of approving the plan size of Rs 24,000 crore for Bihar even as he insisted on his demand for special assistance of Rs 4,100 crore per annum during the next plan period.
Talking to reporters on his arrival from New Delhi after meeting finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and Planning Commission deputy chairman M.S. Ahluwalia, Mr Kumar said, "By way of approving the plan size of Rs 24,000 crore for next fiscal, the planning commission had fulfilled the needs and expectations of Bihar."
"But, I still insist on getting a special grant of Rs 4,100 crore per annum during the next five year plan period. I strongly raised the demand over the issue during my meeting," Mr Kumar said.
Mr Mukherjee was requested to ensure that the funds were made available to Central agencies for the schemes identified by the Centre on time.
Referring to his meeting with Mr Ahluwalia, the chief minister said he elaborated on the special schemes of the state and informed that the central agencies were carrying forward works on several projects in Bihar and it will require Rs 3,345 crore to complete the job.
Though the state asked for making available Rs 3,345 crore from the Centre, it hardly received Rs 1,450 crore, he said and demanded that the planning commission should arrange rest of the amount for completing all these projects.
Mr Kumar said he also informed the planning commission deputy chairman about the steps taken by the state government for improvement in the energy sector.
"We have to work for setting up new thermal power plants, change 72,000 km-long transmission line wire and ensure repair or change of transformer within 72 hours in rural areas and 24 hours in towns and for which we will require additional funds," he said.
Post new comment