Shimla.Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at New Delhi today and requested her for releasing Rs. 1420 crore for creation of the new Greenfield Airport in Mandi district and expansion of existing airport at Kangra and upgradation of civic amenities.
Jai Ram Thakur said that air connectivity acquired more importance in the state keeping in view limited rail connectivity. He said that tourism was the main sector for development in coming future and added that expansion of this sector was significant for boosting income as well as livelihood opportunities in the state. Chief Minister said that he himself presented the case before Finance Commission and added that Finance Commission in its analysis of Macro Economic Fundamentals has appreciated the fiscal measures as well as the developmental initiatives undertaken in the State. He said that taking into account the Macro Economic Fundamentals, the 15th Finance Commission has recommended the amount of Rs. 1420 crore.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the amount was aimed at improving connectivity to the interior parts of the state with huge tourism potential and to develop an international religious tourist destination for promotion of religious tourism, creation of the new Greenfield Airport in Mandi district and expansion of existing airport at Kangra and upgradation of civic amenities.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured the Chief Minister of all possible support to the State Government. Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur, Advisor cum Principal Private Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. R. N. Batta were also present in the meeting.
Chief Minister Calls on Union Defence Minister at Delhi
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at New Delhi today. Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister of the long pending demand of people residing in Yol Cantonment area in Kangra district and requested for de-notification of some area of Yol Cantonment. He said that notification from the Ministry was awaited since long time. Chief Minister also requested the Union Minister for speedy issuance of NOC for construction of road from Banog to Dharkyaari under PMGSY near Nahan. He said that 300 metre area of this road falls under defence area and added that state government has been requesting for NOC since long time and the construction work has been stalled.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heard the matter and assured the Chief Minister to settle both the issues in a high powered committee meeting which is to be convened within 15 days chaired by him and senior officers of the Defence Ministry and Chief Minister would also participate in the meeting. He assured full support to state government in all developmental matters.
