Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, July 22-
Making a strong case based on financial prudence and facts, the Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann today sought a special package for the holistic development of the state from the team of 16th Finance Commission, currently on a visit to the state.
The CM, while welcoming the Commission including Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya, Members Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Dr Manoj Panda and Dr Soumyakanti Ghosh besides Secretary Ritvik Pandey, said that due to immense contribution of Punjab in making country self sufficient in food production, obtaining and preserving independence, the state should be given a special economic package.
Mann expressed hope that the Finance Commission will give a sympathetic view to the genuine demands of the state govt and generously allot funds to Punjab.The CM sought funds worth Rs 1,32, 247 crore from the FC to give impetus to the development of the state. He said that this includes development funds worth Rs 75,000 crore, Rs 17,950 crore for Agriculture and Paddy Diversification, Rs 5025 crore for Stubble Burning, Rs 8846 crore for tackling narco terrorism and drug abuse besides Rs 6000 crore for Industry Revitalization.
