Shimla, June 17 -- Himachal Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs at New Delhi late last evening.

He requested the Union Minister to increase the free power royalty share beyond 12 per cent over and above the normal free power royalty in the CPSU projects where the critical period of the initial 12 years has been completed.

CM Sukhu also urged the GoI to increase free power to 50 per cent in the 180 MW Baira Siul hydroelectric project, as it has completed 44 years of commissioning.

Chief Minister also raised the issue of inordinate delay in payment of energy arrears due to the state in the BBMB projects. He listed out the difficulties faced by peo...