The issue of green bonus to the State of Uttarakhand in lieu of its ecological services to the nation came up for discussion in the meeting of State Finance Minister Prakash Pant with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on Thursday. The Finance Minister of Uttarakhand also demanded a special economic package from the Union Government for implementing various welfare schemes in the State.
Elaborating the budgetary requirement of the State, Pant told Jaitely that an amount equal to two percent of the plan budget of the Union Government should be provided to the Himalayan States for their environmental contribution. Pant also said that an arrangement of `1202.46 Crore should be made under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for the state. The Uttarakhand finance Minister participated in the pre budget meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.
The meeting was chaired by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely. Presenting an elaborate plan of the projects of the State Government, Pant said due to the recommendations of the 14 Finance Commission the state has faced a shortfall of `2000 Crore. Similarly considerable amount is yet to be released under 13th finance commission, Special Plan Assistance (SPA) and different centrally funded schemes, he said. Taking up the issue of pending hydro power projects, Pant stressed for a funding pattern of 90:10 for them. He also said that an additional amount of `100 Crore is required for development of heath facilities in the state. He also put up a plea to extend rail network in Uttarakhand. Pant demanded an increase of ` 300 Crore for successful implementation of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) projects. He also said that an additional fund of `310 Crore should be provided for rope ways and tourism development. The finance minster of Uttarakhand also demanded special package for state highways and budget for maintenance and strengthening of airports in state. Pant said that an amount of `2900 Crore should be released for Jamrani dam project and multipurpose project at Gaula River in Nainital district.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, Tax commissioner Secretary Sowjanya and others.