The Chief Minister, Dharam Singh, has urged the Union Rural Development Ministry and the Planning Commission to work out a fresh formula for sharing the Central funds earmarked for rural development. At a conference of Chief Ministers on Poverty Alleviation and Rural Prosperity through Panchayati Raj, convened by the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi today, Mr. Dharam Singh said that the Planning Commission and the Union Ministry concerned should work out a formula in consultation with the State Governments. The allocations should be based on the need and performance of the States. The State required Rs. 2,123 crores in Central assistance, he said.