Chennai: Calling on Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi yesterday, S P Velumani, Tamilnadu minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development, put forward several demands with regard to State. Velumani was accompanied by Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise, P Thangamani. One of the main demands was release of grant under the 14th Finance Commission.
According to a media report, during his brief meeting, the minister demanded performance grant of Rs 560.15 crore for 2017-18 and the second installment of Rs 1,608.03 crore for 2018-19 for the rural and urban local bodies of the state under the 14th Finance Commission.
He also told the Union Minister that Tamilnadu is known for adhering to directives of the Union Ministry of Rural Development and has always been at the forefront in execution of various rural development schemes.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) – special project for cyclone Gaja–affected districts, the minister also requested for 2 lakh houses.
Reconsideration of the land allotted for extension of runway at the Coimbatore airport in the larger interest of business growth of the area and reintroduction of first class (non-air conditioner) coach in Cheran and Nilgiris Express trains, which was withdrawn during the UPA regime, were among the other demands set forward.