Mamata seeks financial independence for states

With her long-standing demand for a loan waiver yet to be met by successive governments at the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday sought financial independence for states.

She said a major chunk of her state's earnings went towards servicing of debts of more than Rs 2 lakh crore, which was affecting people's welfare projects.

"The Centre is taking away all our money. It is not giving us funds for 100 days' work programme. A large sum is due to us on this count. We want our economic freedom restored. We will keep protesting," Banerjee said addressing a crowd after inaugurating several development projects.

"If somebody commits a mistake, why should we be punished? This is thwarting the development of the state in every way," she said, referring to the debt burden inherited by her government from the erstwhile Left Front government.

"We have started a mega road project. We will connect India with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh," she said.