Himachal faces many challenges: Governor

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Governor Kalyan Singh Wednesday said many factors posed challenges for the state, including sharing borders with China, militant activities in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir, tourist influx, difficult topography and the threat of natural calamities.

He was speaking at the governor's conference here.

He said there was a need for increasing the funds allocated under the Border Area Development Programme. He also underlined the need for strengthening infrastructure and police establishments in border districts of the state.

The governor urged the Centre to bear the entire security expenditure of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa so that resources of the state could be used for strengthening the police force.

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, who holds additional charge of the hill state, also stressed upon the need for connecting the hill state and Leh in Jammu and Kashmir with a rail link.

Singh requested the central government to enhance the time limit prescribed for completion of developmental works under the Border Area Development Programme and construction works of hostels for tribal students from two years to four years keeping in mind the difficult terrain of the state.