The Hindu : National : Rs. 1,430-crore annual plan for Goa finalised

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Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
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Rs. 1,430-crore annual plan for Goa finalised

Special Correspondent

Includes additional aid of Rs. 25 crore for priority projects

Significant increase in Goa’s literacy rate
CM’s attention drawn to declining sex ratio

NEW DELHI: A Rs. 1,430-crore annual plan for Goa was finalised at a meeting here on Tuesday between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

The outlay includes an additional Central assistance of Rs. 25 crore for priority projects.

It was agreed that the plan size could go up to Rs. 1,595 crore, subject to certain court orders which could enable the state to raise another Rs. 165 crore.

Lower poverty level

Initiating the discussions at the meeting, Dr. Ahluwalia lauded the state for its achievements in literacy and poverty eradication.

Compared to the national average poverty level of 27.5 per cent, Goa has a poverty level of 13.8 per cent, as per the Commission’s estimates for 2004-05.

The state’s literacy rate also increased from 75.51 per cent in 1991 to 82.32 per cent in 2001. However, the Commission drew the Chief Minister’s attention to the declining sex ratio and the gender gap in the work force.

Briefing the Commission on Goa’s performance and objectives, Mr. Kamat said the State Government was moving towards the next stage of development aimed at achieving the standards of a developed state by 2012.

IT infrastructure

To achieve the goals, Mr. Kamat said requisite IT infrastructure was being put in place for moving towards a knowledge economy.

Efforts were on to create an investment-friendly climate so as to generate more employment. Hundred per cent literacy would be achieved by 2010.

On fiscal initiatives, he said the required FRBM legislation had already been enacted and a revenue plus position achieved two years ahead of target.

The fiscal deficit, he said, had also been brought under check.

A separate fund was being contemplated to take care of the pension liabilities, he said.

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