Growth goals of Bihar govt impresses Tata

Patna, Sep 22: National Investment Commission (NIC) Chairperson Ratan Tata was impressed with the growth goals, including 40 per cent growth in Plan Expenditure and 60 per cent in Plan Outlay, set by Bihar as well as its plans with special stress on the need for utilisation of idle capital assets besides efficient use of existing potential to achieve 8.5 per cent growth.

The power point presentation made by senior authorities, led by Chief Secretary G.S.Kang, before the business giant here yesterday mentioned about multi-pronged strategy for according a new height to Bihar.

The presentation highlighted the thrust areas and projected 40 per cent growth in Plan Expenditure in 2005-06, 60 per cent growth in Plan Outlay in 2006-07 and mentioned that the Per Capita Plan Expenditure has gone up from Rs 275.75 in 2002-03 to Rs 558.19 in 2005-06.

The state government admitted the development of Bihar has been a matter of concern since independence and was a big challenge.Pointing at the problem areas, the presentation reflected that the low human development indices were major hurdle while stagnant economic growth, persistent poverty, complex social stratification and very poor infrastructure were the real problem areas to be addressed immediately for the development of the state.

The higher authorities referred to the efforts made for attracting investors and projected that public investment postulated to go up from Rs 21,000 crore in 10th Plan to over Rs 58,000 crores in 11th Plan. Apart from this, the share of private investment in total investment postulated to go up from the present 59 per cent to 65 per cent. The state intends to attract large share of private investment and Foregin Direct Investment (FDI) and it could be achieved through infrastructure development as well as investments in social services (Education, Health and Nutrition).

The officers threw light on the strategies framed for achieving 8.5 per cent growth target.Utilisation of idle capital assets, efficient use of existing potential, direct investment from Central Government would help in attaining the goal, informed the officers.

They also emphasised the initiatives in areas of strategic importance including infrastructure such as Road, Bridges, Power, Increased Agricultural Productivity, Water Management, including Flood Control, and Interlinking of rivers and policy initiatives for increased private investment.

Mr Tata was informed about the strategies for development for which multi-dimensional approach for improving educational and health outcome through working with private, public and non governmental organisations had been framed.Administrative reforms, capacity build up and strengthening of the institutions for skill upgradation had also been taken up,informed the officers during the power presentation.

Infrastructure, Power, Industry, Urban Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture and Science and Technology are some of the areas of opportunities which had been identified for investment. The steps initiated for administrative reforms were highlighted during the presentation.Transparency and right to information and by ensuring wide participation of citizens or NGOs in developmental programmes would automatically bring Good Governance.

The presentation stressed on the need for raising infrastructure and services in health sector to Indian public health standard.

UNI