State presents views on 11 points in pre-budget consultation chaired by Sitharaman
PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stressed on focussing on ecology and economy while also working on groundwater conservation, ropeways, complete railway circuit, hydropower production and other important aspects. The State’s Finance minister Prem Chand Agrawal said this while representing Dhami at the pre-budget consultation held with States by Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Friday.
Speaking on Dhami’s behalf, Agrawal said that the State has started work on the Song dam project worth Rs 2,500 crore for groundwater conservation. The State has also received a Rs 100 crore approval from the Centre under its Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment. Uttarakhand has requested that a new centrally funded scheme be launched in the State for groundwater conservation so that the Song project and other efforts for groundwater conservation receive a fillip.
Dhami also requested a dedicated centrally funded scheme considering the floating population in Uttarakhand. A provision should also be made in the coming Union budget for establishment of the All India Ayurveda Institute. The establishment of a national-level institution for Ayurveda education and research in Uttarakhand will boost the efforts of the State government. The State has also sought the Centre’s assistance in establishing a centre of excellence related to artificial intelligence and cyber security in Uttarakhand.
Referring to Uttarakhand’s geography, Dhami requested the Centre to facilitate railway survey from Bageshwar to Karnprayag and from Ramnagar to Karnprayag, in addition to enabling the development of an integrated rail circuit in the State. Further, necessary provisions should be made in the coming budget to provide Rs 8,000 crore at the rate of Rs two crore per megawatt to encourage hydro power projects in the remote and inaccessible areas of the State.
Dhami also requested that the deadline for completing the remaining works under the Jal Jeevan Mission should be extended. The Centre’s contribution in the old-age pension for those aged between 60 and 79 years should be increased, for which the government should consider making necessary provisions in the coming budget. Communicating the CM’s views, Agrawal spoke in detail on the 11 points in the State’s memorandum in the pre-budget consultation. “Uttarakhand is ready to ensure the success of the efforts aimed at making Bharat a developed nation,” he said.
