Mehbooba-Jaitley meet: CM asks for timely release of developmental funds
Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, Thursday asked Union Finance Minister to ensure the speedy disposal of funds for spurring of developmental works here which have taken a hit due to the unrest that was unleashed last year after the death of HM militant commander, Burhan Muzafar Wani.
During the meeting between Jaitley and Mehbooba they discussed the flow of funds to the state, particularly under the Prime Minister’s Developmental Plan (PMDP). Chief Minister sought timely and “periodic release” of funds under the plan, which encompasses a number of schemes for construction of infrastructure including the power projects.
CM apprised Jaitley of the huge losses suffered by local business units, particularly the ones started by young entrepreneurs, during the unrest last year and sought restructuring of credit facility to them.
Jaitley had reached here on Wednesday to attend the GST council meet that started today. On Wednesday he reviewed the security and asked the Army to work towards ensuring a peaceful atmosphere here at a meeting held at 15 corps headquarter at Badamibagh. He was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and the meeting was attended by top Army officials including the GoC Northern Command.
During the days meeting with CM the overall economic scenario of the state came up for discussion, which has been badly impacted due to the escalation in the incidents of militancy here The state has also seen the stepped up activity along the borders, that also figured in the meeting, as India and Pakistani troops exchanged constant firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in last few days. The conditions that prevail here due to the increase in militant attacks and the student unrest across Kashmir has further dented the economy, the meeting discussed. Also the impact of unrest on the overall security situation and the role of Army to bring peace figured in the meeting, which also deliberate on the ways that could be adopted to boost the developmental process.
Earlier Jaitely was informed of the overall preparedness of the army to tackle incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan and the heightened risk of infiltration as the snow starts to thaw on the mountains. Sources said that the ongoing students’ unrest that has fueled the separatist movement in the Kashmir also came up for the review in the meeting between Defence Minister and security top brass.
KV Correspondent
