TN Seeks Rs. 7K-cr for CST Cut, Nod for Metro Line Extension.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam recently presented a lengthy wish-list of Tamil Nadu for being included in the 2015-16 Union budget.

Speaking at the pre-budget meeting of State Finance Ministers at Delhi, he placed the key demands of the state. Prominent among them are reimbursement of Rs. 7,098.88 crore compensation for revenue loss due to slashing Central Sales Tax (CST) rate, approval for extension of Chennai Metro Rail up to Thiruvotriyur and Wimco Nagar at a cost of Rs. 3,253 Cr, nod for Rs. 1,371.86 cr 150 MLD desalination plant for Chennai, including at least 10 cities of TN in the list of Smart Cities, approval for linking Cauvery, Vaigai and Gundar rivers at a cost of Rs. 5,166 Cr, quick launch of Phase II of Urban Renewal Mission with adequate funding, convergence of welfare schemes of the Centre and the States with similar objectives, adequate funding for post-matric scholarships for SC students and dispensing with distinction between plan and non-plan expenditure.

He said inter-linking peninsular rivers like Mahanadhi-Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Palar-Cauvery and Gundar would immensely benefit in controlling floods and irrigating dry areas.

Conceived by the Vajpayee Government, it had been given a new lease of life in the 2014-2015 budget with an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for the detailed project report. He expressed hope that this would be carried forward with due priority and adequate budgetary support.

Stating that TN had made considerable progress in linking Thamirabarani-Nambiyar rivers with State funds, he regretted that Central funds were not forthcoming.

Further, he urged for inclusion of the linking of Cauvery, Vaigai and Gundar rivers in the ensuing budget.


THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS