FM assures enhanced infrastructure aid for Punjab

New Delhi, June 22: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today met Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram and urged him to implement the Special Development Package of Rs 2040 crore to place the economy of the State on a high growth trajectory.

Divulging the components of the package already submitted with the Government, Capt Singh said that a sum of Rs 760 crore would be spent on rural infrastructure, Rs 630 crore on urban infrastructre and development, Rs 340 crore on roads, Rs 100 crore on power and Rs 110 crore on education.

The Centre had already released Rs 100 crore to Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for agriculture research and development.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr Chidambaram to immediately clear the proposed relief package of Rs 2059.95 crore already sent to the Centre to enable the Punjab farmers to overcome their hardships owing to rural indebtedness.

Responding to the proposals, Mr Chidambaram assured Capt Singh to provide a lasting solution to this problem.

He also asked the Secretary Banking Vinod Rai to coordinate with the core group of officers of the Punjab Government comprising of Fianncian Commissioner Cooperation and Principal Secretary Finance to find a workable solution.

Meanwhile, Mr Chidambaram advised the Minister of State for Finance Pawan Bansal to arrange and enhance the central funding from LIC and Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) from Rs 100 to Rs 200 crore and Rs 400 to Rs 600 crore respectively for the implementation of various ongoing projects to strengthen the rural infrastructure in the State.

Besides, the Union Finance Minister also assured Capt. Singh to personally take up the issue of the release of requisite funds with Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy for the development of the cities of Amritsar and Ludhiana under National Urban Renewable Mission.

UNI