DW BUREAU / shimla Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur called on Vice Chairman Niti Aayog Suman Bery at New Delhi today. The Chief Minister discussed various important issues pertaining to the State with the Vice Chairman.Jai Ram Thakur apprised him about the efforts of the state for strengthening air connectivity in the state. He said that Joint Venture agreement has been signed between the State Government and Airports Authority of India (AAI) for construction of Greenfield Airport in Mandi. He also requested for a special assistance grant of Rs. 1000 crore during the current financial year for strengthening air connectivity in the state. The Chief Minister also urged the Vice Chairman for extending Industrial Development Scheme-2017 for next five years for accelerating the pace of industrial development in the State. The Chief Minister also apprised the Vice Chairman about the commitment of the state towards transforming Himachal Pradesh as green energy state. Jai Ram Thakur also informed about the sincere efforts of the State Government for promoting natural farming in the state and added that more than 1.70 lakh farmers were associated with the natural farming campaign in the State. The State government has fixed a target of bringing about 50,000 acre land under natural farming in the State during the current financial year, besides developing one model of natural farming in all 3615 gram panchayats, he added. Chief Minister also urged for sanctioning Bulk Drug Park for the state which would not only attract big investment but also generate employment for local youth. He also requested for issuing necessary guidelines for issuing notification for 9 proposed national highways.Member Niti Aayog Dr VK Paul, Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty and officers of Niti Aayog were present in the meeting. (editor@dailyworld.in)