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2,400-crore Annual Plan for Himachal

Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Himachal Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal with Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: The 2008-09 Annual Plan for Himachal Pradesh was finalised at Rs.2,400 crore at a meeting here on Wednesday between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. The Plan outlay includes an additional Central assistance of Rs.450 crore earmarked for priority projects.

Initiating the discussions, Dr. Ahluwalia commended the State Government for having implemented development programmes in totality even in the wake of a very difficult fiscal situation.

He noted that despite adverse climatic conditions the State had succeeded in maintaining a healthy growth trend and good performance with regard to the human development index.

The State Government’s performance in social sector programmes, especially ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ and the ‘Mid-day Meal’ scheme, was also appreciated by the Commission. Its achievement of meeting the target of 100 per cent rural electrification in the State was also noted.

The Commission advised the Government to model its district planning in such a way that optimum benefit could be derived from the Central scheme. It also asked the Government to assist in setting up marketing networks for horticulture, floriculture and herbs in view of their vast growth potential in the State. Focused attention should also be paid to promotion of handicraft, it added.

Briefing the Commission, Mr. Dhumal pointed out that Himachal’s objectives during the Eleventh Plan period would include provision of essential public services, increasing farm incomes, developing better infrastructure, nurturing human capital, protecting the environment and improving governance.

The Government’s focus would also remain on reducing poverty and enhancing equity among various sections of society for a balanced development of the State, he added.

The Chief Minister suggested that the Centre allow States to introduce a nominal generation tax on power production. He also sought compensation for not exploiting forest wealth in national interest. His other demands included establishment of AIIMS-like institutions, National Institute of Fashion Technology, and institutes of management and information technology.

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2,400-crore Annual Plan for Himachal

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