Punjab seeks centre's support in settling Rs 31,000 cr debt

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday called on Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan here to seek central support in settling the unsustainable debt burden of whopping Rs 31,000 crore. He also requested a review committee to examine the matter afresh.

Paswan agreed to consider the suggestion, while also accepting a request from the Chief Minister to allow higher user charges in lieu of depreciation of once-used gunny bags for the forthcoming Kharif season in Punjab, an official statement by the state government said.

He also assured Amarinder Singh that necessary orders for this would be issued this week.

The Chief Minister also sought reimbursement to the state for losses incurred in procurement operations for the central pool. He said his government wanted to be fully prepared for the Kharif season, which was expected to yield 18.2 million tonnes of rice. - IANS