Mamata Banerjee meets PM Modi in Delhi, demands pending central funds
New Delhi/UNI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured her of a joint meeting of Union and State government officials to discuss the issue of pending central funds for the state.
Banerjee, who called on the Prime Minister along with nine Trinamool Congress MPs, also submitted a letter to him requesting the release of funds due to the state.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Banerjee said, "Prime Minister heard the demands and PM assured that he will arrange a joint meeting of central government and state government officials to find a solution".
The Chief Minister said more than 150 (central) teams had come to the state, and her government gave them all details and explanations about the pending funds.
"Previously, I met the Prime Minister three times. In these projects, both the central government and state government have a share. So, this is not very healthy to stop money,” she added.
"There is a due of nearly Rs 1.16 lakh crores from the Government of India on account of various centrally Sponsored Schemes and pending claims for natural disasters over past years," states the letter.
The letter said, the outstanding dues pertain to core social schemes like MGNREGS, PMAY, PMGSY and NHM.
"I have in the past flagged these issues and also personally met you on three different occasions seeking your personal intervention. It saddens and pains me that there has been no positive response" Banerjee said in the missive.