SHILLONG, MAY 28: The annual plan size for the year 2013-14 for Meghalaya has been finalized at Rs 4151 crore . The plan size was decided after the meeting between Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Tuesday.
During the meeting Ahluwalia appreciated the efforts of state government in expediting pace of development. He said performance in financial management is good and achievements in human development index are satisfactory.
Ahluwalia also informed that the commission intends to bring about more flexibility in the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and a cabinet approval in this regard was expected shortly. He was of the opinion that this would ensure efficient implementation of central initiatives.
Ahluwalia said a committee under Planning Commission secretary is being set up to ensure timely release of funds to Meghalaya under various central programmes.
The state was advised to undertake academic and governance reforms in the higher education system. Also the details regarding the enrolment in public and private institutions, investment in private sector and any initiative on PPP mode needs to be provided.
Ahluwalia also said that the state may prepare a comprehensive strategic plan indicating the measures and interventions for development of higher education and consolidation of existing institutions in the state. The state government was advised to take necessary policy initiatives for further strengthening industry sector.
Ahluwalia said effort should also be made to fully exploit immense tourism and art and craft potential. Planning Commission also advised the state government to make full use of science and technology in improving pace of development. State should also encourage public private partnership in all sectors of economy.
Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma brief the commission and said between 10th and 11th plan period the food grain production has gone up to 3.19 lakh MT from 2.70 lakh MT while horticulture production is 5.22 lakh MT against 3.97 lakh MT. He said literacy rate is 75.48 against 62.6 in 10th plan and 81% of villages have been electrified while only 54% of household have been electrified. The cash deposit ratio of Commercial Banks between the plan has gone upto 37.68 against 36.86 in 10th plan.
Sangma sought Planning Commission support for externally aided projects in water sector, green energy, new Shillong Township and forestry. He said people cutting across various groups and communities have evinced interest in various on-going development initiatives. Various multi-lateral agencies and centres of excellence have shown interest in partnership with Meghalaya.
Sangma also informed under Community Development and Panchayats scheme, the emphasis has been laid on agricultural production, social education, animal husbandry, including veterinary, industries including arts & crafts, health and sanitation and rural roads which are being implemented through existing 39 Development blocks. The objective of the Community Development Scheme is to bring about general development and upliftment of socio-economic life of the rural people so as to foster the community spirit among the communities in the development process.- By Our Reporter
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