Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Today called on Arun Jaitley, Union Finance Minister at New Delhi and apprised about various issues particularly relating to the funding pattern centrally sponsored schemes, strategy for infrastructure development for North-Western Himalaya States, special package of Industrial Incentives, subsidized Helicopter Services and extension of Railway Network in the State. It was a curtsey call.Felicitating Sh. Arun Jaitley for assuming the post of Union finance Minister of India, chief Minister held a detailed meeting with the Finance Minister and raised the issue of centrally sponsored schemes for uniform funding pattern. He asked for the schemes such as Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meals Scheme, Indira Awas Yojna, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and Ampulance Service under NHM etc.
Chief Minister also raised the issue of detailed strategy for the development of infrastructure of Roads, Railway and Airports mentioned in the 12th Five Year Plan Document of the Planning Commission for the North-Eastern States and said that there was no mention of any such strategy for North-West Himalaya States. He said that Himachal Pradesh has also a very tough topographical condition and limited resources are special required the attention of the Finance Ministry.Finance Minister patiently listen to the issues raised by the Chief Minister and assured all possible help to the State and also appreciate the efforts of the people of Himachal Pradesh for maintaining cultural and religious heritage along-with eco system of the State.V.C. Pharka, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Srikant Baldi, Pr. Finance Secretary and Sh. P.C. Dhiman Pr. Resident Commissioner were also present in the meeting.