Media Eye News Bureau: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh demanded a ‘special category’ status for Punjab which would entitle the state for a bigger chunk of central assistance as grants rather than loans in order to elevate development.
During a meet with NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, the CM discussed the state's demand for central assistance for development that included a special package for border areas and river protection along the border, in the interest of national security. He expressed the need for differential treatment for Punjab keeping in view its active border, as well as a hostile neighbour and dense population.
He also touched upon the issue of central support for loan waiver for Punjab farmers as well as financial assistance to check burning of crop residue, while seeking a special package for modernisation of irrigation infrastructure.
