Dehradun: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, members of Niti Aayog and representatives from Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) are expected to attend the one-day conclave of Himalayan states at Mussoorie on July 28.

Chief ministers of six states have given their confirmation to attend the key event related to the welfare of hill states in the country. In the discussions, the hill states are likely to push for green bonus and special state status.

Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, meanwhile, termed it ‘a golden opportunity’ to raise and push issues which are aimed at the welfare of 11 hill states in the country. He said that through deliberations and discussions, the representatives of the states will chalk out plans for financial and social welfare of these states located in tough geographical locations. According to Rawat, the recommendations and findings of the meeting would be forwarded to the Niti Aayog.

According to sources, the hill states may seek a green bonus for their respective state for ecological services being provided by them. “Be it green cover belt, fresh air or water of rivers, the hill states contribute immensely to the country and there would be nothing wrong if some budgetary provisions are made for their ecological services,” said a source. Representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur will attend the one day conclave on Sunday.

Another major point likely to be taken up in the meet would be special status tag for the hill states. Uttarakhand was deprived of the special status tag in the 14th finance commission.

“The conclave will also help Niti Aayog and finance officials better understand the problems faced by the Himalayan states, where development and environmental concerns have to be given top priority,” the source said.

