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Chhattisgarh: CM Bhupesh Baghel reiterates demand for NPS, GST compensation
Baghel said that the state government has restored the old pension scheme in Chhattisgarh to ‘secure the future’ of government employees and their familiesc
Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday reiterated the state’s demand for a refund of the National Pension Scheme (NPS), GST (goods and services tax) compensation and transfer back of amounts collected as ‘additional levy’ from coal block companies.
During the pre-budget meeting held at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Baghel made several proposals and suggestions for the 2023-24 Union budget. The meeting, chaired by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was attended by finance ministers of all states.
Demanding a refund of the NPS amount, Baghel said that the state government has restored the old pension scheme in Chhattisgarh to ‘secure the future’ of government employees and their families.
Further, he urged that ₹17,240 crore deposited with the NSDL till March 31 should be returned to the state so that it can be put in the general provident fund of the employees.
“Baghel informed the Union minister that the state government’s share will be deposited in a separate pension fund, which will be used to meet pensionary obligations in future. Along with this, it will be invested in the government of India and state government securities,” a statement issued by the Chhattisgarh government stated.
The CM said that Chhattisgarh requested to continue the system of GST compensation grant for the next five years after June 2022, but it was not increased. He demanded ₹1,875 crores as GST compensation, the statement said.
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Baghel also requested the Centre to transfer the coal royalty amount of ₹4,140 crore to the state. He requested to release ₹1,288 crores spent on central security forces and ₹313 crores spent by the state government on four special and Indian defence forces deployed in the state.
“The CM also gave suggestions in the meeting regarding revision of royalty rates of major minerals, incentive grants to states with better financial management, continuation of special assistance scheme, starting of an international cargo terminal in Raipur, increase in central schemes,” the government statement added.
