Assam Annual Plan outlay fixed at Rs 5011

From Babul Gogoi, New Delhi

Assam will get Rs 5011 crore for the year 2008-09. It was finalized here on Monday at a meeting between Planning Commission, Deputy Chairman Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Kumar Gogoi.

According to official confirmation, the Annual Plan size has been agreed at Rs.5011 crores. This includes special plan assistance of Rs.250 crores for identified projects of the State, of this, Rs.20 crores will be earmarked for development of Majuli Island. The special plan assistance release will be conditional upon Assam providing fully for its share of Centrally sponsored schemes.

Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr. Ahluwalia complimented the State for improving financial health and doubling growth rate during Tenth Plan period. He said the State government should further step up efforts to accelerate development process and aim at bringing Assam at par with developed states of the country at the earliest.

Assam was also complimented for performance under Bharat Nirman programme. Efforts should be increased to reach targets in irrigation and drinking water sectors. The state was also advised to evolve a strategy convergence of social sector schemes so as to maximize benefits from Centrally sponsored schemes. In view of huge handloom sector potential, the State was advised to encourage cluster approach, necessary for tapping export potential.

Briefing the Commission on the performance of the state, Mr Gogoi said Assam has achieved the objectives of eliminating the revenue deficit and reducing fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of the GSDP by 2005-06. He also informed the Commission that revenue and fiscal deficits have turned into surplus of Rs.2210.42 crores and Rs.711.35 crores respectively in 2006 and 2007.

According to Mr. Gogoi, the State has achieved an industrial growth rate of 8.02 per cent in the Tenth Plan and efforts are being made to encourage growth of small and cottage industry during the Eleventh Plan period. He said the survey sector has shown promising growth and Assam is likely to achieve higher growth in the sector.

Mr. Gogoi asked the Commission to modify the power policy so that surplus power generated through the Mega projects in the North East Region should be first made available on priority to deficit States in the region before being evacuated to other States. He said the Government should explore the possibility of opening air links between Guwahati and Eastern Countries.

Photo: UB Photos