Imphal, July 25: The Union Ministry of Finance has out rightly rejected the request of the State Government to forward Special Financial Assistance to enhance the financial position of its Annual Plan 2003-04 and instead has informed that the amount of the special assistance would be adjusted with the State Plan.

Disclosing this in a statement today, Opposition MLA L Ibomcha Singh expressed his concern over the plight of the State Government employees and pensioners who are not likely to get their salaries for at least another three months.

He informed that State Govt had pleaded with Union Finance Ministry to provide financial assistance on July 4, but the Finance Ministry has flatly turned down the request of the State Government.

To confirm his statement, the Keishamthong Constituency MLA also attached a copy of the letter sent by the Union Finance Ministry to the Additional Chief Secretary Saichuana.

The letter (DO no 16 (2)/PF-I/2003 signed by the Joint Secretary of Union Finance Ministry Baneriee) was communicated to Saichuana on July 18.The letter categorically asserted that request of the State Govt has not been found feasible as the total assistance to the State Govt under the Annual Plan 2003-04 would have to be accommodated within the overall Gross Budgetary Support for Plan allocated to the Planning Commission.