CM WRITES TO MODI TO SETTLE ₹31,000CRORE GAP IN CCL

The gap had arisen due to systemic and structural reasons, and should be addressed through the principle of shared responsibilities. CAPT AMARINDER SINGH, CM

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has reiterated his demand for the implementation of the ‘principle of shared responsibilities’ by the Centre to settle the ₹31,000 crore cash credit limit gap amount that had been converted by the central government into long-term loan.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Singh said the cash credit limit (CCL) gap cannot be solely attributed to the state of Punjab.

“The gap had arisen due to systemic and structural reasons, and should be addressed through the ‘principle of shared responsibilities’ amongst all stakeholders in the procurement process of food grains in Punjab,” he said.

Following his letter dated January 15, a meeting on the matter was held at the level of secretary Expenditure, Union India on February 20, in which representatives of the department of banking, department of food and public distribution, and the Punjab government had participated.

However, no decision has yet been taken, he added, urging the Prime Minister to intervene to operationalise the suggested principle of shared responsibilities amongst the Centre , the Punjab government and the consortium of banks.

Meanwhile, in separate letters to Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Ram Vilas Paswan, the chief minister raised the issue of release of the pending VAT payment, as well as non-reimbursement of actual expenditure on procurement of gunny bags, to the state procurement agencies.