Annual Plan for Chhatisgarh fixed at Rs 9600 crores

New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) The Annual Plan of Chhattisgarh for the year 2008-09 was fixed at Rs 9600 crores, which includes Rs 50 crores for establishing and strengthening of infrastructure for collection and marketing of minor forest produce.

The Plan size was fixed at Yojna Bhavan during a meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh In his comments on the performance of the State, Dr Ahluwalia said that the State had good growth rate> Besides, performance in terms of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development&Public Distribution System was satisfactory.

Dr Ahluwalia, however, said efforts need to be made to make growth more inclusive. Income supporting schemes, especially in tribal areas need to be encouraged.

The State was asked to have more detailed district level planning to ensure that benefits of planning reach all sections of population. Focused attention was also needed to improve agricultural productivity and institutional delivery system also needs to be strengthened. Efforts should also be made to further reduce T&D losses.

Briefing the Commission on plan achievements and future strategy, Dr Raman Singh said that the State has been listed among the better fiscal performers by the Reserve Bank of India. Positive balance of current revenues has been maintained since inception.

The broad objective of Plan for next year would include inclusive growth, achievement of Millennium Development Goals and up-gradation of infrastructure. Substantial increase would be made in allocation for agriculture and allied sectors along with increased emphasis on non-farm income.

To further deepen the outreach of food security an outlay of Rs.772 crores would be provided. All villages and hamlets will have access to safe drinking water by March, 2009. Pipe water would be supplied to remaining 32 towns shortly, he said.

UNI GS VD KN1904