Chattisgarh likely to get special status

By Our Staff Correspondent

RAIPUR, SEPT. 8. The Union Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, today said the Centre was considering the issue of grant of special status to Chattisgarh though final decision had not been taken.

Talking to reporters at Bilaspur near here after delivering the convocation address at the Guru Ghasidas University, Mr. Sinha said the final decision would be taken by the National Development Council.

Mr. Sinha, who is here on a two-day visit, held a meeting with the Chief Minister, Mr. Ajit Jogi, and his Cabinet colleagues where the case of grant of special status to Chattisgarh was advocated strongly by the State Government.

The Finance Minister was told that both Chattisgarh and Jharkhand were eligible for the special status because of their topography, low population density, weak social status and lack of infrastructure.

As of now, only J & K, north-eastern States, Sikkim and Uttaranchal have been given special status.

Besides, the Government pleaded for rescheduling of Central loans as 40 per cent of the grant went into debt servicing which included the interest and the capital.

A moratorium of five years on repayment of loans would leave Rs. 1,000 crores for the development of Chattisgarh annually, the Union Finance Minister was told.

A special package for development of the State capital and a long-term solution to drought problem, based on the assistance given to the drought-prone areas of Orissa, were among the 13- points discussed at the meeting.

Flood relief of Rs. 150 crores and re-assessment of calamity relief fund with Chattisgarh getting a greater share, too, were also taken up.

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