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Tripura seeks Rs 13,600-cr bailout package

By Correspondent

AGARTALA, Nov 15 � Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his official residence at Race Course Road in Delhi and sought a bailout package of Rs 13,600 crore to tide over the unprecedented financial crisis.

Sarkar accompanied by Finance Minister Badal Chowdhury on Monday met the Prime Minister and briefed him about the State�s beleaguered financial condition after deprivation by the 13th Finance Commission.

The Prime Minister reportedly gave a patient hearing to the Chief Minister yhough there is no official confirmation. The demand for the bailout package for the State gained ground after the Centre approved a special assistance to West Bengal amounting to Rs 23,600 crore special outlay against its demand of Rs 47,000 crore to tide over the fiscal crisis.

During the last meeting of the National Development Council (NDC), Tripura Chief Minister had taken up the issue before the Prime Minister. Besides, during the historic Dhaka visit, the Prime Minister had told Sarkar that he had received the letter seeking special Central assistance.

However, this was the first meeting between the PM and CM on the State�s unprecedented fiscal crisis arising after implementation of the 13th FC�s recommendations.

When contacted, Finance Minister on Tuesday refused to reveal the outcome of the meeting between PM and CM.

Sources claimed, Sarkar has asked for an extra amount of Rs 1,500 crore under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) for the current financial year. During the meeting, the Chief Minister has sought Rs 1,000 crore for each year during the 13th Finance Commission�s term while Rs 150 crore has been demanded to upkeep Tripura State Rifles (TSR).

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