Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today called on Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India at New Delhi and apprised about the various issues pertaining to the Hill State of Himachal Pradesh. It was a curtsey call.While congratulating Sh. Narendra Modi for assuming the post of 15th Prime Minister of India, the Chief Minister said that the people of Himachal Pradesh has great expectations from the Govt. of India as the State has its own limited resources and people were committed for the development of the State and equally concerned about preserving the salubrious environment and cultural heritage of the State.Chief Minister particularly raised the issue of funding pattern of the centrally sponsored schemes on the uniform pattern of 90:10 for all special category States. Himachal Pradesh is also one of them. He also requested for revival of special package of industrial incentives for the State particularly the Income Tax exemption for Five years and Central Excise exemption for ten years on new industries in the State till 2020.
Virbhadra Singh also apprised the Prime Minister about the potential available in the various sectors particularly in the field of Hydro, Eco Tourism and other Eco friendly industries in the State. He said that efforts were being made to involve public and private sectors to tap the potentials and said that the special intervention of Govt. of India was vital in this regard.He also raised the issue of construction of Shongtong-Karcham Hydro-electric Project (450 MW)- being executed by H.P. Power Corporation Limited in the Tribal district of Kinnaur. He apprised that Army Authorities under the Ministry of Defence has stalled the construction work of this project due to the nearby location of the Army Ammunition Depot at Poweri. The matter is subjudice and requested for special intervention of Prime Minister in this regard.