Admin to encourage public-private participation in selected areas

Puducherry, Mar 27 (UNI) The Puducherry administration would encourage public-private participation in selected areas where huge investment is required for development of infrastructure facilities and speedy economic growth, Lt Governor Mukut Mithi said here today.

Addressing the members of the territorial Assembly in the Budget session today, Mr Mithi said ''during the 11th plan high priority would be given for development of infrastrucuture facilities to attract investment for industrial development, especially in tourism and IT related industries, which in turn will create more job oppurtunities and generate revenue''.

Focussed attention would be given for skill development and manpower planning to meet the requirements of existing and new industrial units here. Investment on education and health would be enhanced further to serve the people better, he said, adding fund allocation would be stepped up for upgradation of rural roads, better drinking water supply and housing.

Mr Mithi who listed out several initiatives taken by the government to improve infrastructure facilities for speedy economic growth said under the industries sector, emphasis would be given for thrust area industries namely, IT, ITES, BPO etc. These were expected to provide direct employment to 1.50 lakh people in the next five years.

Stating that the credit flow to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) was inadequate, Mr Mithi said there was urgent need to sensitise financial institutions on credit requirements of SMEs.

The Lt Governor said the proportion of sectoral contribution to the GDP during the last ten years indicated that the share of primary sector was declining considerably. Increasing crop diversification and shift to horticulture, floriculture and vegetable cultivation would improve the primary sector contribution to the state income in the years to come, he added.

He said there was enormous potential in the service sector for economic growth and more importantly for employment oppurtunity adding that private participation in the service sector would be encouraged to accelerate the state economy.

Stating that his government had initiated a number of steps to promote IT and ITES, Mr Mithi said the revised IT policy would be announced shortly.

Rajiv Gandhi knowledge village would be established next year to impart high-end IT training at all levels for better earnings, he said, adding that the government proposed to establish common service centre in all revenue villages during the 11th plan to provide internet access and e-governmance service in rural areas at an affordable cost.

He said private sector investments in renewable energy sources would be encouraged to meet the power requirements of the Union Territory.

More UNI