Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh demands Rs 3,000 crore package to develop Naxal-hit areas

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has demanded a special package of Rs 3,000 crore from the Centre via NITI Aayog for overall development of Naxal-affected Bastar division comprising seven districts.

Singh met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday in Delhi and made a demand in this regard, an official statement said on Thursday.

While interacting with the Union Minister, the CM said that the special package would strengthen the efforts of the state government to ensure employment and development in the area and pave way for peace and development of Bastar region, according to the release.

Singh also raised the issue of permission of import clearance of unshredded scrap at inland container depot in Raipur. He said that due to non-clearance of import, entrepreneurs have to go to Nagpur and Visakhapatnam, resulting in wastage of money and time and it also affects export from the state. He also demanded a 24-hour Doordarshan channel in Chhattisgarh, citing that it would benefit people living in remote areas of the state.

Principal Secretary to CM, Aman Kumar Singh and Chhattisgarh Resident Commissioner in Delhi B V Uma Devi were present during the meeting.