Plan panel approves Rs 44,000 cr annual plan for AP

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) The Planning Commission today approved a Rs 44,000 crore plan for Andhra Pradesh for 2008-09, which includes additional Central assistance of Rs 165 crore for special projects in the southern state.

Complimenting Andhra Pradesh for its focussed attention on agriculture, planning commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia suggested the state government not to ignore allied sectors like animal husbandry and fisheries.

He lauded the state government for introducing agri-insurance scheme with village as a unit, 3 per cent interest loan to farmers and agri-extension programmes.

Briefing the Commission, chief minister Y S Rajasekhra Reddy said the state expected 10.37 per cent growth in FY08 which ended on March 31, adding prudent financial management and judicious deployment of resources have decreased fiscal deficit and eliminated revenue deficit.

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