Pranab to speak to Chidambaram on Mamata's funds request

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said he would speak to the Home Minister regarding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's request to include Bankura and Purulia in the list of Maoist-hit districts in West Bengal's Jangalmahal, which receives special funds.

"Special economic packages are being given to Left extremism-affected districts in different states. West Bengal Chief Minister has requested that such funding be extended to two more districts in addition to West Midnapore where it was being given at present," Mukherjee told reporters.

Speaking on the sidelines of a review meeting with chief commissioners of customs, central excise, service tax and income tax here, he said he would take up Banerjee's request with Home Minister P Chidambaram.