NC-Cong legislators thank Centre for highest-ever plan funds
By chennaivision at 27 July, 2009, 10:56 am
Srinagar, A joint meeting of Congress and National Conference legislators here today passed a unanimous resolution thanking the Centre for approving the highest-ever plan size for Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, thanked UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahulwalia for approving the highest-ever plan size for state, which was more than what was demanded by the State government.
Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said the Centre not only approved Rs 5500 crore plan outlay for the state, but also Rs 1200 crore under PMRP accumulating it to Rs 6700 crore and there is no record of past that such a huge approval has been granted simultaneously.
Mr Rather informed the legislators that the state is likely to receive another package of Rs 1900 crore for centrally sponsored schemes. He said the plan ceiling would be communicated to all the departments so that the state machinery is ready to utilise the funds well in time.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, other Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, MLAs, MLCs of Congress, National Conference and allies partners.
The Chief Minister advised the legislators to take up all issues in the Assembly during the Budget Session beginning tomorrow, in one voice and avoid raising issues which are of communal, divisive nature or have regional bias.
Mr Abdullah said the state is one unit and it is the determination of his government to ensure equitable development of all regions and defeat all forces targeting emotions of people on these lines for their vested interests.
The Deputy Chief Minister, while endorsing the Chief Minister’s advice, said it is necessary for all legislators to remain available for all queries in the Assembly and to take one stand on all issues.
He said all legislators should remain united on the policies and programmes of the government to be discussed in the Assembly.
The Finance Minister informed the meeting that this is for the first time that the entire plan is fully funded and nothing will remain uncovered for lack of funds.
He said that during the previous years, Bills would remain pending in treasuries because plan was not supported by requisite funds but this time it is 100 per cent supported by requisite funds.
“It will be an examination for all of us to spend the funds as they are available for development purposes,” he said.
The Finance Minister informed the meeting that the Budget will be presented on August 10 followed by all the formalities to pass the same in both Houses.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar also emphasised on coordinated floor management and adherence to whips to be issued from to time.
The meeting also discussed issues related to relief for unemployed youth, rationalisation of Below Poverty Line schemes, water and power facilities and health care being provided to people.
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