Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 (PTI) Protesting the Centre's alleged denial of benefits to the state under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (APDRP), Orissa today demanded a special package from the 13th Finance Commission.

The state government's protest was lodged by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik when he met Chairman of the 13th Finance Commission Vijay L Kelkar in Delhi, officials said.

Patnaik said though Orissa pioneered a reform programme and privatised the power distribution system in the state, it was denied the benefit of the APDRP.

The Centre envisaged Rs 51,577 crore for the states during 11th Five Year Plan as assistance under APDRP. The amount was not applicable for private distribution companies, he said. .