NEW DELHI: The annual plan size for Orissa for 2007-08 was finalised on Friday at Rs. 5,105 crore. It includes an additional Central assistance of Rs. 80 crore for projects of special interest to the State.

The plan was finalised at a meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Orissa Chief Minister Navin Patnaik.

Mr. Ahluwalia reportedly complimented the State for its economic performance, pointing out that Orissa has developed potential to go for higher plan size for the Eleventh Plan. There was substantial improvement both on revenue deficit and fiscal deficit, he said.

"An investor-friendly environment has been created and large amount of investment intention has been indicated. The State Government should work toward early realisation of these proposals. Infrastructure development is essential for attracting investments and it should be given priority and private sector participation must be encouraged," he said.

While stressing the need for the State to focus on more inclusive growth, Mr. Ahluwalia said it needed to simultaneously work on improving rural infrastructure and expand spending on rural infrastructure and agriculture.

Higher growth

Mr. Patnaik said the State would aim at achieving higher growth rate with greater focus on human development during the Plan period. "The target is to achieve a growth rate of 9 per cent," he said.

The Chief Minister said poverty reduction by at least 10 per cent points and employment opportunities through self-employment would be the focus of the Plan.

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