Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening and pressed for immediate release of pending dues to Bengal under several central schemes that her government has been demanding for a long time.
“I request the immediate release of funds due to the state for the implementation of schemes including MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna… The outstanding amount from the central government on these schemes is about 17996 crores,” he said. read the letter PM Modi.
“The substantial amount due to several development and welfare schemes… estimated to be around ₹ 1,00,968.44 crore … With the outstanding amount, the state is facing immense difficulty to run the affairs and take care of the people. State,” added the letter, reported news agency ANI.
Bengal has often accused the BJP-ruled Center of delaying GST dues to states, especially those ruled by the opposition.
In June, Amit Mitra, the principal chief advisor to the West Bengal chief minister, alleged that the Center had not released the integrated arrears of ₹27,000 crore to the states.
However, the meeting, days after the arrest of Partha Chatterjee by the Enforcement Directorate, has fueled many speculations. The minister, who was arrested after a pile of cash was found at his colleague Arpita Mukherjee‘s house, was believed to be close to Ms Banerjee.
This meeting between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in Bengal has become a matter of discussion. The Trinamool has demanded the arrest of state BJP leader Dilip Ghosh for what it called inappropriate remarks against Ms Banerjee and her family.
Ms Banerjee is in Delhi on a four-day visit during which she is likely to meet non-Congress opposition leaders. Later today he is scheduled to meet President Draupadi Murmu.
On August 7, the Chief Minister will attend the meeting of NITI Aayog, which will be chaired by PM Modi. Issues related to agriculture, health and economy will be discussed in the meeting of the Governing Council.
Ms Banerjee did not attend the council meeting last year. She is expected to raise the issues of non-payment of GST dues and federalism in this year’s meeting.
In her memorandum, Banerjee has tabulated the total amount payable to the state under various schemes and benefits. The amount owed to the state by the central government as on July 31, 2022 is estimated to be around Rs 1,00,968.44 crore.
Banerjee has often accused the BJP-led central government of delaying the payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to states, especially those ruled by opposition parties.
After the meeting, Banerjee went straight to meet President Draupadi Murmu.
Banerjee, who arrived here on Thursday on a four-day visit, is likely to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Modi on August 7 She did not attend the meeting last year.
