To draw the attention of the BJP-led NDA Government, the Uttarakhand Congress organised a day-long protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on Thursday. It was led by the State party president Kishore Upadhyaya. Several Congress leaders and MlAs were present.
Talking to the media persons, Upadhyaya said that the State has a distinct geography and its specific cultural and social practices are similar to those regions where people have been given the benefit of reservation in the Central Government services. The people of Uttarakhand should have been considered for the same affirmative action long back. This was one of the demands during the Uttarakhand movement.
"Realising its backwardness, Atal Bihari Vajpayee -led NDA Government had granted special industrial package to Uttarakhand. later, the package was curtailed. So we are demanding the industrial package be revived for next 10 years. We also demand a special package for tourism promotion.
"As the Prime Minister deems Ganga river holy, the State where the river originates deserves a better deal. Hence, we appeal that the proposal sent by the Uttarakhand Government to the Centre with regard to conserving and cleaning the Ganga should be accepted and approved by the Centre.
"As the State witnessed devastation due to disaster in June 2013 especially in Kedar valley the State Government demanded Rs 12000 crore for the reconstruction of the State's infrastructure and rehabilitation.
The previous Union Government had approved Rs 8000 crore. So the incumbent Government should consider additional demand of Rs 4000 crore with immediate effect," the State Congress leader said.