Sikkim annual plan fixed at Rs 691.14 cr

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) The annual plan size for Sikkim for 2007-08 was finalised today at Rs 691.14 crore, which includes an additional Central assistance of Rs 65.72 crore for projects of special interest to the State.

The plan was finalised at a meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

Mr Ahluwalia reportedly complimented the State for doing well on all fronts. Its socio-economic indicators were better than many other states and health and education sectors performance is appreciable, he said.

Efforts should be made to further strenghten small scale industry and seed production for which state has suitable weather conditions, he said adding during the eleventh plan period efforts should be to achieve self-reliance in food grain production.

''Public private partnership should be encouraged in all sectors particularly where state has natural potential. Eco-tourism, floriculture and traditional medicines need to be given priority,'' he said.

Mr Chamling said the State would give focus on tourism, horticulture, human resource development, hydel power generation and border trade related infrastructure during the eleventh plan.

In the social sector major emphasis will be on primary education and health care, he said.

The Chief Minister said that education has been given priority with 18 per cent plan allocation.

UNI