Meghalaya Annual Plan 2009-10 finalized

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): The 2009-10 Plan for Meghalaya was finalized here today at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. D.D. Lapang.

The plan size was agreed at Rs.2100 crores.

Dr. Ahluwalia appreciated the efforts being made by the State Government to improve the State's social and physical infrastructure in the State.

He said public/private partnership in development of infrastructure should be encouraged to accelerate pace of development.

He appreciated State initiatives in promoting floriculture and horticulture.

Ahluwalia said road development was necessary for accelerating economic activities and providing health cover to the people.

He said that the Planning Commission is working on the mid-term appraisal of Eleventh Plan and would be shortly holding discussions at regional levels.

He said the State Government should not only flag areas of concern, but also point out initiatives which can improve productivity of the Plan during the remaining period.

Lapang briefed the Commission on the initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic development of the State.

He said there has been substantial improvement in the social sector indices and pointed out that health and education has shown remarkable increase.

He also briefed the Commission on efforts being made to improve the road network in the State and initiatives taken in the health sector in partnership with the private sector.

He said transport would get top priority in the plan for the current year. Social services and energy would also get more than 20 per cent of budget outlay. (ANI)