Himachal seeks speedy approval for road projects

The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday sought the Centre's speedy approval for road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the state.

Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Kaul Singh met union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Birender Singh here and apprised him of the need to increase road connectivity in the hill state.

Kaul Singh urged the union minister to give priority to the issue so that the state achieved its target of connecting every Himachal village with roads, a state government statement said.

He thanked the Centre for enhancing the annual allocation under the PMGSY to Rs.271 crore for 2015-16 from Rs.189 crore and maintaining the sharing pattern at 90:10 for Himachal Pradesh.

Kaul Singh, who also holds the revenue portfolio, raised the issue of satellite-based demarcation and settlement of land issues and additional allocation of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Later, he met Law Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and sought creation of 200 more posts of public notary under the state quota.