Friday, December 23 2005 16:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Seven Indian states have sought World Bank assistance to the tune of USD 200-750 million each to overcome financial crisis.

"The states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Orissa, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have sought Structural Adjustment Loans (SAL) assistance," Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam informed the Lok Sabha today.

He said the amount requested by states varies from USD 200 million to USD 750 million.

The Department of Expenditure has issued the revised guidelines for availing SAL assistance in October 2005.

"The State Governments are now required to send their proposals in terms of the revised guidelines," the minister said.