Montek stresses on education level, skill

Indore, Oct 19 (UNI) Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia today felt that enhancing the education level and developing skill were imperative for keeping in step with a nine per cent growth rate.

''The present education level and skill development are suitable only for a five to six per cent growth rate,'' he told reporters here.

While stressing on infrastructure development, the economist said that several lacunae existed in the health sector.

''The situation in that sector is not right and more attention is required as indices are below global average. Plans have hiked the provision for health and higher education. In the next Plan more funds will be provided for skill development and higher education.

The target is to hike agricultural development rate to four per cent. It has been declining after 1996,'' he pointed out.

Reacting to the subject of Gross Domestic Product not depicting the country's true condition, Dr Ahluwalia said that the subject of the GDP not revealing prosperity has been raised more than once.

''Increase in the growth rate should benefit people. Former President A P J Abdul Kalam's suggestion for a National Prosperity Index is a complex matter. Madhya Pradesh's proposed Global Investors' Summit is a good step and other states should take measures in this direction,'' he added.

UNI