CM Sai seeks special grants for Chhattisgarh from 16th Finance Commission

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday sought special central grants for Chhattisgarh, citing its large tribal population, challenging geographical conditions and Naxal activities in parts of the state, at a meeting held with a delegation of the 16th Finance Commission, said a government official.

He stressed that additional financial resources are necessary to bring Chhattisgarh, which came into existence in November 2000, on par with developed states, said the official.

During the meeting here with the delegation of the central panel led by its chairman Arvind Panagariya, Sai highlighted that Chhattisgarh is a newly-formed state with a large tribal population and faces challenging geographical conditions.

It is also affected by Naxal activities, the CM told the delegation, according to the official.

The Chief Minister informed the commission about rapid development works being carried out in Naxal-affected areas and effective measures being taken to curb Maoist activities, he