New Delhi . Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held the 53rd meeting of the GST Council in the country’s capital Delhi on Saturday. Finance ministers of all states, including Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister OP Choudhary, attended this meeting. In the pre-budget meeting, Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented many important proposals and suggestions in the interest of the stat
Request for financial assistance for the development of Nava Raipur
Choudhary requested financial assistance for the development of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, the new capital of Chhattisgarh. There is a plan to make it the most planned and green city of the country. He suggested developing it as a state capital region by combining it with Raipur and Durg-Bhilai and sought financial assistance to develop it as a hub of information technology, finance, banking, and green energy.
Demand for expansion of rail network
The Finance Minister also demanded expansion of the rail network in the state, especially for transporting minerals from mineral-rich areas. Expansion of the rail network will accelerate industrial development and make transportation cheaper. Apart from this, he stressed the need to develop Nagpur-Raipur-Visakhapatnam Industrial Corridor or connect Raipur to the existing corridor.
Establishment of Textile and Medical Device Park
Choudhary also requested the establishment of a textile park and a medical device park. He demanded budget provision for the maintenance of roads built in inaccessible forest areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and construction of roads to the camps of central security forces.
Expansion of social and health facilities
Apart from this, it was proposed to establish an Integrated Geriatric Health Centre for the elderly in Raipur, increase in the rate of food items for children and honorarium of cooks, and increase in the premium amount under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Demand for change in DMF rules
The Finance Minister also urged for changes in the new rules of DMF (District Mineral Fund) so that equitable development of areas around mineral rich districts can be ensured. He also demanded 50 percent central share of the additional financial burden for implementation of 7th Pay Commission by University Grants Commission.
Assurance of Union Finance Minister Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured to provide more financial support for the development and public welfare works of the state. Chhattisgarh Finance Secretary Mukesh Bansal was also present in this meeting.
