Chidambaram's interest waiver on loan a formality: Punjab FM

Chandigarh, Mar 13 (UNI) The Rs 2728 crore waiver of interest on the central loan incured by Punjab for combating terrorism by the Union Government was described as ''a mere accounting or booking formality''.

''It is just an accounting formality announced by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram'', Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal said during zero hour in the state assembly here today.

Mr Badal made this assertion after Partap Singh Bajwa (Cong) raised the issue and suggested that both the ruling SAD-BJP alliance and the Opposition Congress should jointly pass a resolution thanking the central government for granting this relief. Mr Bajwa found no support from the other Congress members even after the state Finance Minister had made his statement.

Mr Badal said that the waiver of the entire central loan was announced by former Prime Minister I K Gujral, during his tenure.

Mr Chidambaram had yesterday annouunced the waiver of the interest on the loan in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

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