New Delhi,6 May:The Annual Plan outlay for Nagaland for the year 2008-09 was approved today at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio. The Annual Plan size was agreed at Rs.1200 crores. This includes additional Central assistance of Rs.150 crores for projects of importance to the State.
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia complimented the State Government for achievements during Tenth Plan period as well as in the first year of the Eleventh Plan. He said despite constraints, the State has been achieving good growth rates. Plan realization is also good. The State Government was also complimented for achievements in the social sector particularly health and education. It was pointed out that despite infrastructural constraints the State has performed impressively in health and education sectors.
In view of impressive performance in the Tenth Plan, growth targets for Eleventh Plan have been fixed at 9.3 per cent. Target for agriculture is 8.4 per cent, industry 8 per cent and services 10 per cent. The State Government was advised to provide marketing infrastructure to encourage horticulture. Focused attention should be given to skill up-gradation and efforts should continue to reduce number of employees in the government.
Briefing the Commission on the development strategy of the State Government, the Chief Minister said that during the Eleventh Plan period efforts would continue to reduce poverty through increased economic activities. The State would work towards evolving an economic growth model which was more people oriented. Education facility would be further expanded and efforts would continue to improve basic amenities to the people. He said infrastructure development would continue to get focused attention.
The Chief Minister drew attention of the Commission to the natural disadvantage which was coming in the way of accelerating pace of development. He said the Central Government should help in improving air connectivity and providing efficient telecommunication network at the earliest.