A team of experts that analysed the last 10 State budgets has suggested the framing of a regional development policy to address regional disparity as a specific problem and ensure equitable development.
The study, an initiative of the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at the National Law School of India University, released here on Tuesday, has come up with 10 recommendations, including a mechanism to ensure that the allocated money to various sectors is released fully and in time.
Backward pocketsSumming up the study, Abdul Aziz of the centre said that “faster, sustainable and inclusive growth” is the emphasis of the 11 and 12 Plans and there is a need to follow this in letter and spirit. High growth rate has historically failed to reach backward sections and regions, he added.
On regional disparity, Prof. Aziz said that while the granting of special status to Hyderabad Karnataka region through a Constitution amendment addressed one aspect, it remained unaddressed in all other taluks outside this region which were recognised by the D.M. Nanjundappa Committee as backward.
Prof. Aziz said that one of the studies conducted by the centre had shown that nearly 75 per cent of the budgetary allocation is released only in the fourth quarter and this bunching of resources often leads to non-implementation of programmes.
He emphasised the need for a calendar on release of funds and monitoring the impact.
Preferential treatmentChief Minister Siddaramaiah, who released the report, said that preferential treatment was an essential tool to ensure social equality in an unequal society and this was a feature not only India but elsewhere. Mr. Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said that he was due to present his ninth budget on February 14 and his emphasis in all budgets was inclusive growth.
