The Hindu Business Line : Goa's annual Plan outlay fixed at Rs 650 crore

THE Planning Commission has approved the annual Plan of Goa for 2003-04, pegging the core plan at Rs 650 crore. This includes an additional Central assistance of Rs 10 crore for the State's priority schemes.

At a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr K.C. Pant, and the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Manohar Parrikar, here today to finalise the Plan, Mr Pant hailed the State Government for the high level of economic and social development. With a per capita income at 2.5 times the national average coupled with being a front-runner in social indicators such as population growth, literacy and life expectancy, the State had set a laudable example for others to follow.

Mr Pant said that tourism was the backbone of the State's economy and responsible for nearly 20 per cent of employment. In this regard, he said the State Government should act as a judicious facilitator to help the private sector participate in the development of the industry. However, while doing so, optimum care should be taken to preserve the natural beauty and distinctive character of the State, he said.

Mr Pant drew attention to the low irrigated areas of Goa and advised the State Government to complete the two major ongoing irrigation projects expeditiously. Urging the Government to make use of the funds from the Centre for such projects, Mr Pant pointed out that an amount of Rs 40 crore made available last year for irrigation schemes had remained unutilised.

Speaking about his Government's performance and priorities, the Chief Minister said the aim was to make Goa attain the standard of a developed nation by the year 2020. Emphasis was being laid on providing a proper environment to the youth, develop infrastructure and e-governance, he said. He also said that an employment generation strategy had already been formulated.

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