Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will discuss the issue of the state including the Centre's pending dues to Rs 5,800 crore to the 'bordering state'. As per reports, centre owes Rs 3,600 crore to Punjab's Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Rs 600 crore to the National Health Mission (NHM). Apart from this, the fund of Rs 1600 crore has also been stopped for the Special Capital Assistance (SCA). Reportedly, the unpaid dues by the Centre has left Punjab in a financial crisis. Reports also suggest that the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government will knock on the door of the Supreme Court of India. However, before heading for a judicial solution, Punjab CM has decided to meet the Prime Minister of India to discuss issues in Punjab.
Reports further suggest that Punjab's financial department has also handed over a list of pending dues to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Not only this, reports suggest that Bhagwnat Mann-led Punjab Government is feeling discriminated against due to the bordering state and therefore it is essential for CM Mann to meet PM Modi. Furthermore, it was reported that the Centre's holding of the RDF is unconstitutional as the fund was levied under an act and not paying the money is against the law.
It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann along with newly elected Jalandhar MP Sushil Rinky recently met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and discussed the issue of Punjab's road infrastructure. Punjab CM Mann sought Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari's intervention for early completion of work on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road, especially the Adampur flyover. Accompanied by Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar Sushil Kumar Rinku, the chief minister met Gadkari at his residence and appraised him about the delay in the completion of the project which has been causing inconvenience to the people.
A source in the known development informed True Scoop News, "There were three to four issues which were discussed in the meeting. They had serious talks over the Adampur flyover. Also, discussions were held regarding Delhi-Katra National Highway and black spot areas which are prone to accidents."