HP CM denies carving new districts in state

Una, Jan 22 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today categorically denied carving out new districts in the state ahead of Assembly elections, due next year.

Talking to mediapersons at the PWD rest house here, he said a minimum amount of Rs 25 crore per annum was required for various administrative purposes, besides an initial hefty capital investment for each district.

The same amount could instead be used for developmental activities and the state had no surplus fund for new districts, he added.

As regards the induction of Chief Parliamentary and Parliamentary Secretaries, the CM said the amended bill has been sent to the Governor for his approval, after which the government will decide on the future course of action.

He further said the Cabinet reshuffle was the prerogative of the Chief Minister and could be done at any appropriate time.

Mr Singh said a plan expenditure of Rs 14,000 crore was finalised for the 11th five year plan beginning 2007-08 and the outlay for the first year was Rs 2100 crore.

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