21 Aug : Annual Plan size for Delhi for the year 2009-10 was today finalized at a meeting, here today, between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and the Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit. The Plan outlay was agreed at Rs.10,000 crores.
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia appreciated the State Government for improvements in the infrastructure sector. He said the State has been registering a robust growth in per capita income. Achievement in the social sector including health and education has been better than many States.
Mr Ahluwalia said Delhi being the national capital has to be a role model and set example for other States especially in urban service. He expressed confidence that preparations for Commonwealth games will be completed in time. He also complimented State Government for power sector reforms and added that unlike most other States where sector has been p[rivatized, Delhi model was showing substantial improvement. It was pointed out that there has been substantial improvement in the transmission and distribution losses.
Mr Ahluwalia said after successfully addressing the problems of power sector, the State Government needs to focus on drinking water supply which is facing huge major problem. He said water loss was 45 to 50% while State has highest water consumption. Attention was also drawn to inadequacy of sewage treatment system.
Briefing the Commission on priorities for the current financial year, Smt. Dikshit said highest priority will be given to social service and the Government would be spending nearly 56% of its plan budget. She said in this sector highest allocations have been earmarked for Housing &urban development which will get 15.24% followed by 13.66% for water supply and sanitation. In view of growing urbanization and high growth in the transport sector an outlay of Rs 3068.76 crore would be kept for the transport sector. She said all efforts are being made to complete preparations for Common Wealth games in time.
The Chief Minister assured the Commission that preprations for the games were on schedule and sufficient funds are available. She thanked Planning Commission for extending full support. She said JNNURM rules need to be made flexible to facilitate preprations for the games.