Shimla, May 25 -- Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday demanded the release of funds due to the state, at the tenth governing council meeting of the Niti Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi. "If the dues are released by the Centre in time, Himachal will become self-reliant," Sukhu said. Sukhu said special needs of hill states should be considered for higher allocation of funds by relaxing eligibility criteria in various schemes. The CM elaborated on the state government's vision to make Himachal a favoured tourist destination. He said the state government envisions a compact package for tourism promotion, which includes religious tourism, eco tourism, water tourism, nature tourism and health tourism, among others, adding that it can attract tourists from the country and abroad. "We are expanding the Kangra airport to facilitate landing of the larger aircraft. It will add to the economy of the region," he added. He pleaded for state's rights in hydropower projects and raised the issue of free royalty and handing over the projects which had completed 40 years. Sukhu said the royalty in hydel projects should aligned with the state government's energy policy. He outlined the policy, which mandates 12% royalty for the first 12 years, 18% for the subsequent 18 years and 30% for the next 10 years in the power projects. He said that private companies already comply with this policy and emphasised that central public sector undertakings should follow it as well. Sukhu met PM Modi and raised issue of apple imports from Turkey and other countries. The PM assured the CM that he will look into the matter, according to a statement from the CM's office. Sukhu requested the PM for liberal financial assistance to the state and apprised him about the vision of the state government to make Himachal a self-reliant state by 2032....