Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday paid courtesy call on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman during his visit to Delhi.

On demand of Baghel to open banks and ATMs in Naxal infested region of the State, the Finance Minister assured of opening 33 branches of banks and ATMs there soon.

Baghel also drew attention of the Union Minister towards important finance-related issues concerning Chhattisgarh State. He requested for compensation for the reduction of state's share in Central taxes. Chief Minister informed that as per the central interim budget, Chhattisgarh State was entitled to receive Rs 26,014 crore, but this year the state's share has been reduced by Rs 1690 crore.

He requested for compensation of the reduction done in the State's share, in the upcoming supplementary budget. Baghel also requested to continue GST compensation grant even after year 2021-22 for next five years.

During the meeting, Bhupesh Baghel also requested to stop the facility of diesel-petrol on C-form from outside the state, under Central Sales Tax. He said that this adversely affects the revenue collection of the state.

Chief Minister Baghel later also paid courtesy call on Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda.

Baghel handed over an action plan for various development works in tribal sector to the Union Minister.

Munda assured Baghel of sanctioning funds for the development works. Chief Minister has demanded Rs 2444 crore for overall development of scheduled tribe, and upgrading of their income and living standard.

This includes agriculture and biotechnology related works, construction and maintenance of Anganbadi buildings under Women and Child Development Department, computer training in ashram schools of Bastar Division under Tribal Development Department, Health and Family Welfare, Coffee plantation in fallow lands of farmers, renovation and upgrading of irrigation projects, repairing works, millets-based processing centres etc. Union Minister has assured of taking positive initiatives on these demands.