Don't deprive performing states from assistance: Amarinder

New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today suggested that the states which had performed well should not be deprived of assistance under the National Programmes.

''Without intending to harm other states which are relatively less developed, I would like to suggest that, if any state has already achieved more than minimum national norms, they may be suitably assisted to improve their performance further,'' Capt Singh in his address at the 52nd meeting of the National Development Council here.

The Punjab CM also made strong case for having a 're-look' at the definition and assistance to BPL families, unconditional fund allocations to the states based on the revised Gadgil Formula and withdrawal of the Union Environment and Forest guidelines, among other things.

While dwelling on the remarkable peformance of his government on several counts, Capt Singh suggested certain measures to improve infrastructure, industrial development, employment and quality of life of the disadvantaged groups.

UNI KSA SHB DS1545