Harish Rao urges Centre to grant Rs 5000 cr for Mission Kakatiya

New Delhi, Oct.25: Telangana Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao today urged Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharathi to provide financial assistance and loans to various projects being implemented in the infant State. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Program (AIBP) was brought under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana scheme. A member of AIBP (Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Program) Harish Rao on Tuesday called Uma Bharathi and discussed on issues pertaining to the projects. The meeting assumes significance as Uma Bharathi sought suggestions and inputs from the irrigation ministers on the projects to be taken up under PMKSY scheme across the country. Later talking to media persons outside Parliament, Harish Rao said that he apprised to the union minister about the projects being completed and needed financial assistance from the Centre for 11 projects. The minister sought Uma Bharathi to release Rs 5000 cr for Mission Kakatiya the flagship program of the government, increase loan for Devadula project to 60 per cent and Rs 600 cr grant for projects in the state. Harish also sought increased loan component from outside as it was promised by Nabard for the state to take up prestigious schemes. It is pertinent to note that the Centre had recently agreed to raise the loan limit to 3.5 per cent from 3.0 per cent through Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM). Uma Bharathi promised to talk to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on his appeal to an increase of loan component under FRBM and early release of funds to various projects. On Brijesh Tribunal verdict the government will take a decision followed by a Cabinet meeting on Oct 29, Harish added.