Goa annual plan fixed at Rs 1200 crores

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) The Annual Plan of Goa for the year 2006-07 was today approved at Rs 1200 crores, which includes Central assistance of Rs 12.65 crore for Infrastructure projects.

The additional resources for Infrastructure development was under the viability gap funding scheme, on Build Operate and Transfer (BoT) basis.

The Plan size was fixed at a meeting in Yojna Bhavan between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Raoji Rane.

Dr Ahluwalia complimented the state for efficient fiscal management, its innovative development strategy and initiatives aimed at encouraging private participation in all sectors of the economy.

He complimented that expenditure control was up to the mark and the state was taking initiatives for optimum utilisation of inherit strengths.

He said fresh efforts for improving social and physical infrastructure with focused attention at improving rural economy were steps in the right direction. The Commission complimented the state Government for having a healthy and well-organised power sector.

The Planning Commission suggested that the thrust should be on improving tax revenue in its effort to improve resource mobilisation. The Commission also appreciated the strategy geared towards creating employment opportunities.

Mr Rane said that favourable socio-economic indicators were being leveraged to reap full advantage of IT revolution. E-governance was being given priority for providing services at doorsteps. For this purpose a digital backbone was being established throughout the State.

He said a Committee had been set up to suggest action points based on emerging knowledge economy to generate employment opportunities for educated youth of the state. Special economic zones for IT, bio-tech and pharmaceutical sector are being planned.

Other initiatives include setting up of modern convention center, cruise terminal mono-rail project, up-gradation of minor ports and improvement in river navigation.

UNI GS RA HS2007