The Hindu : New Delhi News : 691-crore annual Plan for Sikkim

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Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007
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691-crore annual Plan for Sikkim

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The annual Plan for Sikkim for 2007-08 was pegged at Rs. 691.14 crore at a meeting here on Tuesday between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and State Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. The outlay, finalised on the basis of identifiable resources, includes a special Plan assistance and additional Central aid totalling Rs 65.72 crore for priority projects of the State.

Initiating the discussion, Dr. Ahluwalia noted that Sikkim was doing well on all fronts and its socio-economic indicators were better than many other States. Hailing the State Government's performance in sectors such as health and education and the fact that panchayati raj institutions had been empowered, he said efforts should be made to further strengthen the small-scale industry and the production of seeds for which the weather conditions were suitable.

For the Eleventh Plan period, Dr. Ahluwalia advised that efforts should be made to achieve self-reliance in food grain production. Besides, the public-private partnership (PPP) approach should be encouraged in all sectors, particularly in areas where the State has a natural potential. Eco-tourism, floriculture and traditional medicines should also be given priority, he said.

The Commission's advice to the State Government was to concentrate on optimum use of Sikkim's abundant natural resources for sustainable economic development.

Briefing the Commission about the State's priorities for the Eleventh Plan, the Chief Minister said tourism, horticulture, human resource development, hydel power generation and border trade-related infrastructure would be given focused attention.

In the social sector, Mr. Chamling said emphasis would be laid on primary education and primary health care. On the financial side, consolidation of the devolution process along with downsizing of the Government would be the key to improving governance, he added.

Education, Mr Chamling said, was also being given priority with an allocation of 18 per cent of the Plan outlay. Alongside, the construction of new school buildings to accommodate more children would also receive focused attention, he said. He also informed the Commission that private investments were coming into the State ever since the new industrial policy was implemented and a number of MoUs have already been signed.

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