Himachal seeks uniform funding of states for central schemes

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Thursday sought uniform funding to the state in the ratio of 90:10 (central:state) for all central schemes and projects.

Raising the demand at a meeting with union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram here, Virbhadra Singh said there was difference in funding pattern to special category states like Himachal Pradesh and northeastern states.

"While the northeastern states are getting funding in the pattern of 90:10 ratio, we are getting funds ranging from 20 percent to 75 percent depending upon the scheme," said an official statement quoting Singh.

The chief minister also demanded revival of special industrial package till 2020 by providing income tax and central excise duty exemption to the industrial units for next 10 years.

He said the special industrial package to Himachal and Uttarakhand has not affected the industrialisation of neighbouring states.

Chidambaram assured Virbhadra Singh that the central government would provide liberal financial assistance to the state for ensuring its overall development.