Telangana Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao today urged Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharathi to provide financial assistance and loans to various projects being implemented in the infant State.
A member of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Program (AIBP) under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana scheme, Harish Rao called on Uma Bharathi on Tuesday and discussed the issues pertaining to all irrigation projects. The meeting assumes significance as Uma Bharathi sought suggestions and inputs from the Irrigation ministers on the projects to be taken up under PMKSY scheme across the country.
Talking to mediapersons outside Parliament later, Harish Rao said he apprised the Union minister about the projects being completed and needed financial assistance from the Centre for 11 projects. The minister urged Uma Bharathi to release Rs 5000 cr for Mission Kakatiya, the flagship program of the Telangana government, increase loan for Devadula project to 60 per cent and Rs 600 crore grant for projects in the State.
Harish Rao also sought increased loan component from outside as it was promised by NABARD for the State to take up prestigious schemes. It is pertinent note that the Centre had recently agreed to raise the loan limit to 3.5 per cent from 3.0 per cent through Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM). Uma Bharathi assured to talk to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on his appeal to increase of loan component under FRBM and early release of funds to various projects.
On Brijesh Kumar Tribunal verdict, the State government would take a decision in the Cabinet meeting to be held on October 29, Harish added. (NSS)