Use central capex loans, FM urges states

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday urged states to make full use of the Centre's special assistance to states for capital expenditure (SASCE) scheme to drive economic growth by investing in employment-generating infrastructure and local development.

- Rhik Kundu

"When you build capital assets, employment increases, core sectors benefit, and the multiplier effect is a lot more than just putting money in people's hands," Sitharaman said while speaking at a public event in Shillong.

The minister said the central government aimed to empower states to invest in physical and social infrastructure post-covid pandemic.

"(The nation's) economic recovery is dependent on states' recovery as well," she added.