Chouhan happy over meeting with Prime Minister

Bhopal, Feb 18 (PTI) Maintaining that the Centre hadnot given the state any additional financial assistance forfarmers, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhansaid here today that a constructive beginning had been made infurthering relations between the state and the centre.

"I held lengthy discussions today in New Delhi with thePrime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Planning CommissionDeputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia that would pave the wayfor resolution of many issues pending with the centre for thelast four years or so," the Chief Minister told reportersafter arriving from the National capital.

On the issue of providing assistance to the frost-hitfarmers, he said that the Centre pointed out that the presentrules did not permit it to extend financial package to thestate as it did not consider frost as a calamity.

However, the Prime Minister has formed a Group ofMinister comprising Union Home Minister and AgricultureMinister among others to suggest ways for providing financialassistance for the frost-hit farmers.

Referring to the issue of inadequate supply of coal tothe power plants in Madhya Pradesh though coal was availablein abundance in the state, the Prime Minister has assured toconstitute a Task Force and based on its report, correctivemeasures will be taken on the issue, Chouhan said. MORE PTIMAS ABC