NEW DELHI: There could not be a better relief for fund-starved Arunachal Pradesh after Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured CM Nabam Tuki that he will consider an alternative source as a special package for projects pending for want of funds due to China’s objection to the Asian Development Bank’s funding to the state in 2009. Following China’s objection to ADB’s 60 million dollar grant that deprived this Himalayan state of huge developmental funds, Tuki reminded Mukherjee about the Centre’s assurance given to late CM Dorjee Khandu that the funds would never be a problem for the state’s development before seeking a special package.
Riding high on his development agenda, Tuki along with ministers, Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy, and top bureaucrats called on Mukherjee in his official chamber here despite being a Sunday to impress upon him the pressing needs of the state.
They pleaded with him to consider the impending proposals of infrastructure requirements of capital city Itanagar amounting to Rs 1213.53 crore under urban sector and integrated river and flood management for Rs 396 crore, which were to be funded by ADB but for China’s strong objection.
Taking serious exception to China’s consistent objection to ADB and World Bank loans for the state, Khandu had written to PM Manmohan Singh seeking funds for a project for development of border areas and had drawn the Centre’s attention through Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia during the statehood day celebration here.
“The low credit deposit ratio is a matter of concern. It has been reported that some of the banks are not even lending to SHGs. This is evidenced by the large gap between the number of SHGs savings linked and credit linked. The purveying of credit in Arunachal has to be championed by the commercial banks as they have around 70 branches compared to 23 branches of state’s Rural Bank and 22 branches of State Cooperative Apex Bank, ” Tuki informed Mukherjee.
The CM appealed to Mukherjee for permission of his ministry for sanction of loan under RIDF as a part of approved plan outlet for 2011-12. Mukherjee also gave a positive gesture towards gap-funding for completion, strengthening and commissioning of hydel-stations under hydro power department.
Appreciating the GoAP for receiving awards for its performance, Mukherjee emphasised for maintaining the spirit and advised for better performance, which would contribute to nation building. (ANI)