Himachal demands uniform funding for central schemes

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today called on Finance Minister P Chidambaram and requested him for providing the state a uniform 90:10 funding on the pattern of that for the northeastern states for centrally-sponsored schemes.
Singh said at present different pattern of funding is being provided to the state under various centrally sponsored schemes like Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meal Scheme, RMSA, Indira Awas Yojna, which is less to the state in comparison to north eastern states.
He requested him to pass necessary directions to all central ministries/departments to modify the guidelines for existing schemes and adopt uniform norms for all special category states including Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister also requested the Finance Minister to restore the special industrial package to the state till the year 2020 to expedite the industrialisation process in the state to promote economic activities and employment avenues.
He said the state has made big investment to improve the basic infrastructure in industrial areas of the state to attract private sector investment.
The proposal for continuation of special industrial package is under consideration of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and that the Planning Commission has already earmarked budgetary outlay of Rs 500 crore for extension of industrial package to special category states during the 12th Five Year Plan.

Singh also demanded release of Rs 2,100 crore SPA/SCA for financing the annual plan 2013-14 to speed up the pace of development in the state.
The Chief Minister said the state has suffered a loss of Rs 10,725 crore due to adverse recommendation of 13th finance commission who underestimated the states committed liabilities on various accounts like salary, pension and told that state got an increase of only 50 per cent enhancement as against the average increase of 126 per cent for all other states.
Chidambaram appreciated the issue raised by state government and assured that finance ministry will provide all possible financial assistance to the state under various schemes to speed up the pace of development in Himachal.