Chennai: Making a strong plea for appropriate amendments to rein in the mounting fiscal debts, the Congress on Tuesday urged the State government to exert more pressure on the Centre and obtain funds liberally for various developmental projects.
Initiating a debate in the Assembly House S. Vijayadharani, Congress whip, said the staggering debt (Rs 3,14,366 crore) could be tackled only by amending the fiscal laws. "You should also exert more pressure on the Centre and obtain funds liberally for various projects. We will support you in this endeavour," she said.
Drawing the government's attention to the plight of the farmers who were reeling under severe losses due to drought, Ms. Vijayadharani exhorted the government to waive off the farmers' loans. The free scooter scheme for one lakh women should be extended to all working women, she urged.
Responding, finance minister D. Jayakumar said the state government had spent Rs. 5,357 crore on various schemes including flood mitigation and rehabilitation; in anticipation of funds from the Central government. "We have been constantly stressing for early disbursal.
The Centre has agreed to set up a nodal officer to expedite our claims," Mr. Jayakumar said and exuded the hope that Tamil Nadu would soon get the funds.
