The Hindu : National : Rs. 11,602.38-crore annual plan for West Bengal finalised

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Rs. 11,602.38-crore annual plan for West Bengal finalised

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: West Bengal’s annual plan for 2008-09 was at Rs. 11,602.38 crore at a meeting here on Wednesday between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The outlay includes an additional Central assistance of Rs. 150 crore for priority projects.

Dr. Ahluwalia hailed the government for improvements in fiscal health with both the growth rate and inclusiveness of development programmes showing healthy trends. With its GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate pegged at 8.1 per cent in 2005-06 and the per capita income also comparable to the all-India average, the State was well set to reach the 11th Plan growth target of nine per cent.

The Commission, Dr. Ahluwalia said, was keen on optimum utilisation of funds being allocated to the State for Centrally-sponsored schemes. He invited suggestions for introducing genuine flexibility in these schemes. The State government should firm up a strategy for implementing the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana as the Centre’s assistance under this programme was likely to go up substantially next year.

The State’s attention was also drawn to the need for improving its support to implement the national missions on horticulture and skill development. While proper market mechanisms were required to be put in place to reduce wastage in perishable goods, the State should supplement the Centre’s effort at skill development, the Commission said.

Briefing the Commission members, Mr. Bhattacharjee said the government was pursuing an employment-oriented growth strategy and its emphasis would continue to be on focussed attention to agriculture, small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and development of physical and social infrastructure. The Kisan Credit Card facility would have to be extended to every agricultural household.

Seeking greater support from the Centre for vocational training and minority welfare programmes, he said banks should also provide loans to self-help groups.

Support for SMEs

Noting that the government was keen on improving life in the Sundarbans, the Chief Minister requested the Commission to work out a separate master plan for the region.

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