Raipur:Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel lashed out at central government and asked as to why train services are being suspended when there is no shortage of coal. The operation of 6 trains was restored only after his intervention, said the Chief Minster during his Delhi stay on Saturday.
Baghel said that they the centre is importing coal from abroad at higher rates and are not even paying royalty to the states. While Coal is available from state mines for Rs 3000 to Rs 4000, the same is being imported for Rs 15000 to Rs 20000 per tonne. The government is harming the interest of the states by importing expensive coal from abroad. The Chief Minister said that if there is a shortage of coal, more mining should be done. He said that the central government is not able to provide DAP or even electricity. Industrial production will be affected due to shortage of coal, said the Chief Minister.
Baghel dragged central government on the issue of hike in petrol and diesel price. He said that the fuel price is increasing in Assam. There is 23 percent VAT in Chhattisgarh. The central government should clarify the reason behind hike in price of LPG. The government should reduce the cess. If states are getting 42 per cent of the amount collected in the form of Central Excise, asked Baghel. If the Central Government is giving full amount of GST.Chhattisgarh has to take Rs 30000 crore from the central government, claimed Chief Minister Baghel.
