Chennai, June 26:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was no financial dues to the state from Centre.
Talking to reporters at neighbouring Kanchipuram district after attending a book launch function and performing Gaja puja in the Temple town, she said during the previous DMK government in the state, the Centre has released all the funds due to the state.
Assuring that necessary funds due for the state would definitely be released, she said at present there are no financial dues to the state from the Centre.
Stating that there was nothing wrong in state governments borrowing loans, which has been limited to three per cent of the GSDP, Ms Nirmala said thd borrowed amounts should be utilised for strengthening the basic infrastructure facilities to improve the economy. Investments should be made in education, healthcare and industrial sectors which would lead fuel economic growth, she added.
It would not be proper to utilise them for welfare measures alone, she said, while welcoming the ruling TVK headed by Chief Minister Vijay not to adopt confrontationist attitude with the centre for state’s development.
Ms Nirmala, who arrived last night on a three-day visit to Tamil Nad and Puducherry, released a book titled “Daughters of Kanchi–the SSKV Story” at a college in Kanchipuram district.
The book commemorates the 120th year of the SSKV Group of Institutions and highlights their role in women’s education.During her visit, she also performed a Gaja Pooja (traditional worship involving an elephant) as part of her visit to the temple town.
During her address at the SSKV College, she spoke about the cultural significance of Kanchipuram and women’s empowerment.
Later, she drove to Puducherry where she inaugurated the Renovated Old Light House in the evening. She would inaugurate a 400-yer-old Muzhiankulam tomorrow morning at a government middle school.