Pondy seeks Rs 10,000 crore in 11th five year plan

Puducherry, Dec 27 (UNI) The Puducherry Planning Board has sought an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore for the Union Territory in the 11th five year plan.

According to an official release, the board meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Lt Governor Mukut Mithi recommended Rs 1600 crore for the annual plan 2007-08.

The actual allocation for the Union Territory during the tenth plan period was Rs 3819.80 crore and Rs 1410 crore was approved for the annual plan 2006-07, the last year of the tenth plan, the release said.

It said the administration would approach the planning commission for enhanced central assistance to fund the planned projects in the 11th plan.

The board also recommended higher allocations for agriculture and allied activities, including animal husbandry, fisheries, dairy development, tourism and civil aviation.

Attention would be given for skill development and man power planning to meet the requirements of industries in the Union Territory.

The programmes for welfare of Schedule Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and other marginalised groups would be implemented in letter and spirit and funds in proportion with the population of SC/STs would be allocated under a sub-plan, the release added.

Chief Minister N Rangasamy, his cabinet colleagues, Parliament Members V Narayanasamy and Prof M Ramadass and Opposition Leader A M H Nazeem participated in the meeting.

UNI PAB LS HT2047