Reacting to media report that `1,509 crore meant for providing relief to the 2013 flashflood-affected people had remained unaccounted for in the State Government’s records, Chief Minister Harish Rawat remarked, “You had better ask the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centtre instead as this (lacuna) is because of the existing financial system they have brought about.” He was addressing the media.
“Had it been a case of difference between the amount received and the amount released, the State Government would have been accountable,” he said, adding that the fuss was being raised over funds that the State Government had not received at all.
Without naming anyone, he said that he would like to thank the people of Uttarakhand for having forgiven the person who had embezzled `700 crore meant as Kumbha fund. “The party of which the person is a leader siphoned it off. Now, surprisingly, these people are keeping mum despite the Centre not releasing the required fund for the preparation of Ardh Kumbh. However, we would complete things with our own resources. For the first time, permanent structures are coming up during the Ardh Kumbh preparation,” he said.
CM asked BJP to raise serious issues for the state instead of raising storms over concocted issues. “They should ask their own party- led NDA regime to release SPA fund. The State is supposed to get `1100 crore, but we have received mere `700 crore so far.
“Even under the count of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the state is yet to get `400 crore. We would present the details of the fund the state has received in the aftermath of the disaster 2013 from all resources, including the Centre, states and others, by way of donations in course of the State’s upcoming budget session,” he said.
Referring to the Fl-2 policy that is supposed to have received a setback in the form of the High Court’s recent judgment, he said he would call a cabinet meeting to discuss the issue. “We may refer it to a committee led by a retired judge to probe everything concerning distribution of liquor, land and the like,” he said.
Reacting to the allegation that the state is ignoring the old cities in the name of smart city, CM said that they have taken a three-pronged approach- greening, retrofitting and redevelopment.
“As far as retrofitting is concerned we are working in Clock Tower areas and as for redevelopment, we are working the nearby areas of Rispana bridge. For this, the Union Government would give `500 crore to the state in next five years or, you can say, `100 crore per annum,” he said.
Commenting of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to Pakistan, CM said that BJP should clarify whether Pakistan is fulfilling the criteria to restart dialogue.
“We cannot forget that the same Centre stopped deliberation because of certain issues like ceasefire violation at the borders and terrorism.
Now, PM visiting the neighbouring nation, are we to suppose that Pakistan has fulfilled all the conditions set by the Centre for going for dialogueIJ” he asked.