Shimla, June 18 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Union minister for power, housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal Khattar to increase the state's free power royalty share beyond 12% over and above the normal free power royalty in the CPSU projects where the critical period of initial 12 years has been completed.

Sukhu called on Khattar at New Delhi on Tuesday evening where he also urged the central government to increase free power to 50% in the 180 MW Baira Siul hydroelectric project as it has completed 44 years of commissioning.

The CM also raised the issue of delay in payment of energy arrears due to the state in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects. He listed out the difficulties faced by people of the s...