AP Annual plan fixed at Rs 30,500 crore

New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) The Annual Plan for Andhra Pradesh for 2007-08 was today finalised at Rs 30,500 crore, with Plan Panel Deputy Chief Montek Singh Ahluwalia advising the State government to give greater focus on programmes outlined in the National Common Minimum Programme.

The Plan size, decided at a meeting in Yojna Bhavan between Andhra Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and Dr Ahulwalia, includes one time Central assistance of Rs 150 crore to the State for special programmes relating to the Animal Husbandry sector.

Dr Ahluwalia complimented the State government for significantly improving the growth rate and pursuing a development process which was "inclusive." He said Plan realisation as well as outlay was moving in the right direction. Efforts made to improve performance in agriculture, power and health sectors was laudatory, Dr Ahluwalia said.

Dr Ahluwalia said the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme was being executed by the State in a satisfactory manner and many other States were trying to emulate it.

In the power sector transmission and distribution losses have substantially come down. The State was advised to give greater attention to horticulture and animal husbandry sectors.

The well known economist said the Commission was concerned about the slow execution of Central schemes. Dr Ahluwalia said it was incumbent upon State governments about the difficulties in the execution of these schemes so that steps can be taken to make guidelines flexible.

He said the Planning Commission would shortly initiate regional consultations aimed at having in-depth discussions with the States on priorities for the 11th Plan.

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