Nagaland annual plan outlay approved at Rs 1,200 cr

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) The Annual Plan outlay of Rs 1,200 crore for Nagaland for the year 2008-09 was today approved at a meeting here.

The Plan was finalised between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The Annual Plan includes additional Central assistance of Rs 150 crores for projects of importance to the state, an official statement said.

Mr Ahluwalia said despite constraints, the state has been achieving good growth rates.

''Plan realization is also good. The State Government was also complimented for achievements in the social sector particularly health and education,'' he added.

In view of impressive performance in the Tenth Plan, growth targets for Eleventh Plan have been fixed at 9.3 per cent.

Target for agriculture is 8.4 per cent, industry eight per cent and services at 10 per cent.

The State Government was advised to provide marketing infrastructure to encourage horticulture.

''Focused attention should be given to skill upgradation and efforts should continue to reduce number of employees in the government,'' Mr Ahluwalia said.

Mr Rio said during the Eleventh Plan period, efforts would continue to reduce poverty through increased economic activities.

''The State would work towards evolving an economic growth model which was more people oriented. Education facility would be further expanded and efforts would continue to improve basic amenities to the people,'' said Mr Rio.

He added that infrastructure development would continue to get focused attention.

The Chief Minister drew attention of the Commission to the natural disadvantage which was coming in the way of accelerating pace of development. He said the Central Government should help in improving air connectivity and providing efficient telecommunication network at the earliest.

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