Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers in Delhi over the past two days, pressing for immediate intervention on the state’s financial stress, disaster relief, infrastructure projects and health care initiatives.
During discussions with the Prime Minister on Friday, the Chief Minister highlighted the progress and challenges of Kerala and stressed the need for immediate central support in four key areas.
Speaking to the media later, CM Vijayan said, “The state has reiterated its demand for grant-in-aid of Rs 2,221.03 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for the rehabilitation of the victims of the Mundakkai Choral Mala disaster. We have requested that this amount be treated as a grant for disaster relief and reconstruction and not as a loan.”
On the fiscal front, the Chief Minister sought restoration of Kerala’s borrowing limit, withdrawal of IGST collection and reversal of cuts on off-budget borrowing.
Additional requests include permission to borrow additional 0.5 per cent of GDP and special consideration to cover 25 per cent of National Highway land acquisition cost.
He also called for the release of pending subsidy for paddy procurement totaling Rs 221.52 crore and transportation dues of Rs 257.41 crore, citing financial pressure on farmers and state agencies.
Infrastructure and urban development were also on the agenda.
The state urged the Center to expedite approval for setting up of AIIMS in Kinnaur, Kozhikode and to set up a School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Kerala to strengthen urban planning and architectural research.
Chief Minister Vijayan also discussed major national highway projects including NH 66, NH 744, NH 866 and Ernakulam and Punalur bypass with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who assured speedy completion of ongoing projects and release of land acquisition funds.
On the health front, the state sought approval for AIIMS Kozhikode and proposed ICMR National Institute for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging for the purpose of research, policy development and care for the elderly population of Kerala.
These institutes aim to complement each other by addressing both tertiary care needs and geriatric research priorities.
CM Vijayan stressed that the interventions are important not only for the welfare and financial stability of the state but also for national objectives including disaster preparedness, education, health care, food security and sustainable urbanization.
Union ministers reportedly responded positively and assured support and priority to Kerala’s key demands.
–IANS
SG/DPB