Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and urged him to relax Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) norms to enable the State to get more funds for development of the State.
KCR is on a two-day sojourn in the national capital and called on Jaitley today and apprised him of his flagship programs of Water Grid, Lakes Restoration and others. He also sought a share in Central funds and tax exemption to HMDA in the State. The State, which got about Rs 14,000 crore from the Centre owing to 14th Finance Commission recommendations, the State government would get Rs 3,000 crore more if FRBM norms are relaxed to 3.5 per cent from the existing 3 per cent.
The Chief Minister also asked Jaitley to enhance funds allocation to the infant State and give share in funds of Central schemes. It is likely that the Centre may take a final call on discussing the issues with officials concerned. Jaitley told media persons later that he would discuss the issues with officials for a decision. KCR also urged Jaitley to help the State with more funds to implement the Water Grid and Mission Kakatiya for Lakes Restoration programs. He also informed the Union Finance Minister about grim drought situation in the State and said he would send a detailed report for financial assistance.
Special Officer of Telangana government in New Delhi Venugopalachary informed mediapersons about the details of KCR-Arun Jaitley talks. Roads and Buildings Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao, MP Jithendar Reddy and others accompanied the Chief Minister. (NSS)