New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament and sought relaxation in debt repayment.
After meeting the PM, Banerjee told reporters that she apprised Modi of economic situation of West Bengal.
We urged the PM to waive the debt to be able to carry out development in West Bengal, said Banerjee.
The PM acknowledged that debt is the highest in West Bengal, and yet the financial management and development have been carried out well, Benerjee told reporters.
During the conversation, the PM said he is happy with the performance of West Bengal and will help the state as much as he can, said Banerjee.
The West Bengal CM added that she also informed the PM that for 100 days work, food procurement and Integrated Child Development Services, her state was entitled to get funds from the Centre.
“We have spoken about all these projects and also the Metro Rail projects which is on halt due to inadequate funds,” added Banerjee.
The PM mentioned that several states are in debt and a solution is to be found, Banerjee told reporters, adding that the PM assured to see how he could help West Bengal.
Senior TMC leaders including West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra, Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra and other officials were also present during the meeting.
Later the WB CM also tweeted the following:
Today I met the Prime Minister with a 40-member delegation of our MPs. We discussed about the state of finances in West Bengal
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 9, 2015
The huge debt burden left on us, as a legacy of the previous Government, has made West Bengal No.1 debt¬-stressed State in the country
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 9, 2015
More than rupees 1 lakh Crore has been deducted by Centre towards repayment of loan and payment of interest from State exchequer last 3 yrs
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 9, 2015
We also shared with PM our passing of FRBM Act and our efforts to double revenue collection in last 3 yrs, despite our huge debt overburden
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 9, 2015
We urged the Prime Minister to waive the debts in the interest of further growth and development of West Bengal
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 9, 2015
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) had on Sunday described Banerjee's Monday meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "home coming" for the Trinamool Congress chief.
On February 25, Banerjee had written to the Prime Minister seeking an appointment and urging him to consider the debt waiver immediately.
On the other hand PM Modi also tweeted saying, "Met WB CM Mamata Banerjee. Assured her that Centre will leave no stone unturned for WB's progress."
Met WB CM Mamata Banerjee. Assured her that Centre will leave no stone unturned for WB's progress. @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/MQJq9IeJ5B
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2015
Centre's 'Act East' policy is guided by our commitment to harness WB's talent for growth of the State & the Nation. http://t.co/AAAAebd7FP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2015
You inherited a large (debt) burden. We too inherited a large burden. Centre & States must collectively find a solution to this: PM to WB CM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 9, 2015
PM also pointed that Centre decided to give WB royalty on coal & other minerals. This will provide benefit of Rs 1,600 cr to WB annually.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 9, 2015