In the pre-budget consultation meeting held in New Delhi, Uttarakhand has underlined the need to further strengthen coordination between the central and state governments regarding the state's development requirements. The state has requested Viability Gap Funding of Rs 8,000 crore, at a rate of Rs 2 crore per megawatt, for hydropower projects in remote and inaccessible areas.
On Saturday in New Delhi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a pre-consultation meeting with state finance ministers. At the meeting, Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, as the Chief Minister's representative, presented the state's suggestions clearly and effectively.
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Uniyal placed special emphasis on the balanced development of mountainous regions and the empowerment of border areas. He also presented the state as the country's water tower and a provider of important ecosystem services.
While mentioning the positive results from the central government's policies, he expressed expectations for cooperation. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state is receiving continuous support from the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed confidence that the upcoming budget will further strengthen the state's development journey by making the state more climate-resilient, strengthening basic facilities in border areas, and further consolidating Uttarakhand's role in the resolution of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Key demands and suggestions put forward by Uttarakhand
* The 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment' scheme should be continued.
* A new policy for sustainable tourism should be created, considering the floating population.
* A new centrally sponsored scheme or grant to prevent the decline in groundwater levels.
* A new scheme or grant for cluster-based fencing to prevent crop damage from wildlife.
* A centrally sponsored scheme for the strengthening of State Data Centres.
* Survey of the Bageshwar-Karnaprayag and Ramnagar-Karnaprayag railway lines.
* Maintenance for the Jal Jeevan Mission should be included in a centrally sponsored scheme, and the duration of the mission should be extended.
* Financial provision for the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban).
* Provision should be made for the entire cost of reconstruction after disaster damage to be borne by the SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund).
* The central government's share in the old-age pension should be increased from Rs 200 to 500.
* An increase in the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers.
* A special grant for the necessary basic infrastructure and maintenance in view of the Kumbh.