Rawat asks ex-chief secy to make report on financial health

The Uttarakhand government has asked former chief secretary Indu Kumar Pande to prepare a report on the state's financial condition.

"I have asked Indu Kumar Pande (former chief secretary) to prepare a report on the state's financial condition, detailing the revenue as well as the growing expenditures," Chief Minister Harish Rawat said.

Debt

The state's debt has grown to Rs 30,000 crore, he said, which is a cause of worry for the government. He said the Seventh Pay Commission will also impact the state's revenue expenditure and the government should remain prepared to face the challenge.

The chief minister said the government has identified 20-22 sectors that have failed to make any revenue income. Though the chief minister did not name any such sector, senior government officials said sectors such as tourism and energy, which are dependent on government's support.

Rawat also asked the striking government employees to call off their agitation, saying the time was not suitable to demand an increase in wages.