STATEMET BY PRIME MINISTER AT MANALI
Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
made a statement at the end of his Manali visit, on Sunday. The
text of Prime Minister’s statement is as follows:-
"As always,
I have had a very pleasant and restful stay in Manali. The beauty
and tranquility of the Himalayas reinvigorate the body, mind and
soul. I thank the Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri V.S. Kokje,
Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, the officials of his government,
and the people of Manali for their warm welcome and hospitality.
Recently, there has
been a change of government in the State. This, however, has brought
about no change in the relations between the Centre and the State.
The NDA Government’s track record of the past five years has shown
that the Centre deals evenhandedly with all the States, irrespective
of the party or parties in office.
During my 6-day stay
in Manali, I had an occasion to discuss various issues relating
to the development of the State and, specifically, the Kullu-Manali
region with a cross-section of society. The Chief Minister has
submitted a memorandum detailing the needs of the State. I have
also received a memorandum from the state unit of the BJP in this
regard.
1. In view of
the financial problems faced by the Government of Himachal Pradesh,
the Centre has been liberal in providing additional financial
support to the State. I have accepted the request of the Chief
Minister to continue to provide such support for this year, too.
Accordingly, the Centre will maintain the same level of additionality
for the State’s Plan size – namely, Rs.553 crore – as last year.
The modalities of this additional support will be worked out by
the Planning Commission in consultation with the State Government,
I would like the State Government to prepare specific developmental
projects, such as speedy implementation of the major irrigation
project at Shahnehar, to avail this assistance. I also urge the
State Government to take necessary steps to enhance its internal
generation of resources.
2. Imposition
of generation tax on hydro-electricity produced in Himachal Pradesh
has been a longstanding demand of successive State Governments.
Other States, which have considerable hydropower potential, have
also made this demand. I agree that these States need new sources
for increasing their revenue by harnessing their natural resources.
Therefore, the Centre will look into this demand.
3. Successive
Governments in the State have made representation to the Centre
about early settlement of BBMB dues, on the basis of the State’s
share in the hydroelectric projects of the Bhakra Nangal and Beas
system. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court for a long
time. The Centre will request the apex court to expedite the case.
Meantime, efforts will also be made for an early "out of
court" resolution of the matter.
4. Sustainable
socio-economic development in the Himalayan area, with effective
steps to protect the fragile ecology of the region, has become
a matter of great urgency. The challenges faced by various States
in the Himalayan range are common in many respects. One of the
main challenges is to create sufficient local-level employemnt
and self-employment opportunities for the youth. These challenges
can be better met by maximizing people’s participation and basing
our policies and programmes on the results of holistic and long-term
scientific study. At present, there is no such research institute
in Himachal Pradesh. If the State Government sends a proposal
for establishing an Institute for Sustainable Development in Himalayan
Areas, the Centre will consider it.
5. Kullu-Manali
region has a huge potential to emerge as a major centre of international
tourism. However, lack of proper infrastructure and amenities
has seriously hampered the realization of this potential. The
Centre has already sanctioned an amount of Rs.30 crore for the
extension of the airstrip at Bhuntar Airport, so that larger planes
may land there. However, the project has not moved further due
to the State Government’s inability to acquire land necessary
for the purpose. Since early completion of this project is crucial
for the development of tourism in Kullu-Manali region, the Centre
has decided to bear the full cost of the project. The Airport
Authority of India will complete this project in three years.
6. I have been
told about other infrastructure requirements of Kullu-Manali region.
If the State Government submits a Master Plan for development
of tourism in this region, concerned ministries at the Centre
may give due consideration to it.
7. The Centre
will give a grant of Re.1 crore to the International Roerich Memorial
Trust, Naggar, for establishing an Art School in memory of the
great artist-philosopher Nicholas Roerich. "
