Mamata seeks special fund for infra development at border

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today sought special central assistance of Rs 2000 crore for the development of International Business Corridor to facilitate and expand the volume of trade with bordering states as part of the Look East Policy.
"I have requested the Prime Minister to provide special assistance for strengthening infrastructure in the border as part of the 'Look East Policy' of the government," Mamata said after meeting the PM here.
West Bengal, which shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, has proposed strengthening of trade-related infrastructure in and around Petraploe in North 24 Parganas, the transit point of nearly 90 per cent of Indo-Bangla trade, through upgradation of approach roads, flyover systems, rail overbridges and bypasses to ensure smooth traffic flow.

She also requested the Prime Minister for release of final instalment of nearly Rs 3,100 crore under the Rs 8,750 crore special Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) package approved by the Centre in 2011-12.
The BRGF fund for 2011-12 is yet to be released and I drew the Prime Minister's attention to it, she said.
Asked about the Parliament logjam, she said "Opposition must raise issues but people-related issues must be discussed in Parliament. There were many issues including black money, floods were to be discussed but they couldn't be taken up."
She also did not approve of the suspension of 25 Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha. "I am also not in favour of suspension of 25 MPs," she said.

Asked whether Teesta river issue was discussed with the PM, she answered in negative.