Jai Ram Thakur urges Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for financial assistance

5 Dariya News

New Delhi/Shimla 07-Jun-2021

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur calls on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at New Delhi today.Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to provide the financial  assistance to the State as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. He said that Himachal Pradesh lacks the resources for investment in infrastructure projects especially  Kangra, Mandi airports, hence the financial assistance is of great significance for the development of the state.He further apprised the Minister that a tourism project worth Rs  1892 crore posed to ADB for funding is awaiting approval. He requested for according speedy approval to the project.Chief Minister also urged for GST compensation due from  Government of India (GoI) for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-2020 to be provided to the state. He also urged the Minister to expedite the negotiations with World  Bank for funding of Himachal hydro power and renewable power sector development programme. He also held discussions for allowing ropeway connectivity as an alternate  mode of connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).While discussing about the Bhanupali - Bilaspur rail line, the Chief Minister also requested to consider  all rail projects of state of national importance and funded entirely by Government of India keeping in view the weak resource base of Himachal Pradesh.The Union Minister  assured of all possible assistance to the state.Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister J.C. Sharma and Dy. Resident Commissioner Pankaj Sharma accompanied the Chief  Minister.