Investment in rural infrastructure need of hour : Azad

New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said investment in upgradation of rural infrastructure, credit facilities, technological upgradation and development of production and marketing chain with the private sector were the need of the hour.

Addressing the 52nd National Development Council (NDC), presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here today, Mr Azad complimented the Planning Commission for preparing a comprehensive Eleventh Plan Approach Paper.

"The Approach Paper reflects vision to reduce poverty and strengthen solidarity, carry forward the pace of progress with redoubled speed," he said.

However, he stressed the need to modify the financing pattern of all centrally-sponsored schemes limiting the matching state share to 10 per cent only.

Stressing for diversification of agriculture activities to make it more lucrative, he said these should be "export-oriented to achieve considerable fillip in marketing of agro-produce." Mr Azad also endorsed the proposal for significant branch expansion of SIDBI to cover all small and micro-enterprises in the unorganisaed sector and recommended continuation of existing special incentives under the organised sector.

Referring to the inadequate infrastructure in the state, especially in the power and road sector, he stressed the need for making available adequate resources and flexibility in borrowing from the market.

The Chief Minister asked for a special dispensation for providing land acquisition cost for development of road network under the Bharat Nirman in view of the far-flung and widely dispersed habitations.

The state, he said, was now in a position to implement JNNURM speedily with the Urban Development Ministry's support for timely sanction of projects. He also supported recommendations proposed for improvements in the areas of basic health and education.

UNI SD KD RS2114