Chavan seeks Rs 3.46 lakh-cr from Centre to develop infra

Makes case for allocation for Rs 12,447 crore for Mumbai's development

The Maharashtra government on Thursday stressed the need for an allocation of Rs 3,46,000 crore from the Centre between 2015-16 and 2019-20. This, it said, was needed to develop infrastructure to address the rapid urbanisation and the increasing needs of the urban and local bodies.

The government also sought a one-time grant of Rs 12,447 crore to develop Mumbai as a global city and Rs 10,000 crore to prepare for and tackle natural disasters.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, along with his colleagues in the state Cabinet, made a strong case in this regard at a meeting with members of the 14th Finance Commission, under YV Reddy. Chavan said the 13th Finance Commission had made available Rs 91,709.80 crore to the state.

The chief minister pointed to the increasing need for funds to meet the rising capital expenditure, especially on power generation, transport and communication and irrigation, besides social sectors.

Chavan said the state government is supporting the proposed Goods & Services Tax (GST) regime. However, he however, cautioned that it should not cause injustice to the state.