New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought Centre’s assistance to resolve several issues pertaining to the state.
Earlier in the day, the Karnataka Chief Minister also met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Coal and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.
On a two-day visit to the national capital, Karnataka Chief Minister on Wednesday met Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and discussed various highway projects.
In the meeting with Mr Jaitley, Mr Kumaraswamy sought extension of the GST compensation period up to 2025, a three year extension from 2022, which the period that the state entitled to get the compensations from the Centre, citing state’s revenue deficit has been increased from the previous year.
“After the implementation of GST, the revenue deficit is found to be 20 per cent against protected revenue”, an official statement said.
In the meeting with Mr Goyal, the Karnataka Chief Minister requested him to allot coal blocks for Raichur Theramal Power station (RTPS), Ballari and Yaramaras Thermal power plants.
“Mr Kumaraswamy requested the Union Minister to direct Coal India Limited and its Western Coalfields Limited to supply coal immediately to RTPS, which has low stocks”, said the Karnataka Chief Minister’s official twitter handle.
The Chief Minister also requested Mr. Goyal, who is holding the additional charge of Railways, to take up construction of new railway line from Bidar to Nanded.
“Bidar is one of the most backward district in Hyderabad Karnataka region. Bidar is also a pilgrimage place for Sikhs and included under Nanded pilgrimage circuit. A survey on 154 km new railway line is complete and submitted to Railway Board. The Chief Minister sought to implement the project soon”, said the Chief Minister’s office.
According to the Chief Minister’s office, during the meeting Mr Gadkari has agreed to the construction of the elevated highway between Hubballi and Dharwad and has asked the State government to complete land acquisition to begin the work.
The Chief Minister also discussed the development of alternative roads to NH 4A which connects Karnataka to Goa, NH 373 between Hassan and Belur, the 4-lane Hassan-Holenarsipura Road, and the upgradation of Channarayappattana- Holenarsipur-Arakalagud-Kodlipet-Madikeri Road to the national highway.
He also discussed the progress of Mekedatu Project with Mr Gadkari, who also holds the charge of Water Resources Ministry.
“The Chief Minister brought to the notice of Mr Gadkari that Tamil Nadu has raised objection against the project although it's beneficial to both the states and specifically to Tamil Nadu. Mr Kumaraswamy requested Union Minister to resolve the Makedatu issue by calling the meetings of Chief Ministers of both the states”, his office said.
According to Mr Kumaraswamy’s office, Mr.Gadkari agreed to call a meeting of the two Chief Ministers to discuss the issue.
UNI KNA ADG 1837