Uttarakhand not in confrontation mode with Centre: Khanduri

Bhopal, Sep 23 (UNI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Major-General (Retd) B C Khanduri today said that his government was not in confrontation mode with the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance dispensation at the Centre.

''The Centre is extending cooperation to Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Uttarakhand,'' he told journalists. Maj-Gen Khanduri is attending the BJP's three-day National Executive that concludes here today.

The Chief Minister indirectly hinted that his personal rapport with New Delhi was also a factor that ensured such cooperation.

However, he alleged that the Union Environment and Forests Ministry's stance was not positive regarding making funds available for Uttarakhand's 'Eco Battalion', a scheme that has both central and state components.

''I have written to the Ministry and also discussed the matter with the Defence Minstry. It is not proper for the former Ministry to adopt a bureaucratic attitude for a mere Rs 3 to 4 crore. If the Ministry is unable to disburse funds then it should say so clearly,'' he added.

The four company-strong Battalion, including ex-servicemen, undertook plantation of saplings in several areas and looked after them.

UNI