Chennai: Tamilnadu Minister S P Velumani called on Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi Monday and presented a host of demands concerning the State, including release of grant under the 14th Finance Commission.
Velumani, Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development, said Tamilnadu has been at the forefront in execution of rural development schemes and is also known for complying with directives of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
During his brief interaction with Goyal, Velumani requested him to release the performance grant of Rs 560.15 crore for 2017-18 and the second instalment of Rs 1,608.03 crore for 2018-19 for the rural and urban local bodies of the State under the 14th Finance Commission, an official statement said.
Velumani urged the Commerce Minister to sanction 2 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) and special project for Cyclone Gaja-affected districts in the State.
Velumani requested Goyal to reconsider the land allotted for extension of runway at the Coimbatore airport in the larger interest of businesses of the area.
Goyal, also the Railway Minister, was urged to reintroduce first class (non air-conditioned) coach in Cheran and Nilgiris Express trains, withdrawn during the UPA regime.
Tamilnadu Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise P Thangamani was present at the meeting.