Rs. 2,644-cr. Plan for State

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 11. The 2001-02 Annual Plan for Bihar was approved today at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Mr. K. C. Pant and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Mrs. Rabri Devi at Rs. 2,644 crores.

Reviewing the performance of the State in various sectors, Mr. K. C. Pant said that concerted efforts would have to be made to increase the per capita income in the State so that the growth rate could be improved. He underlined the importance of more investment in the area of education and said the State should make all efforts to improve the status of primary education as the literacy rate in Bihar was still low as compared to other States. Land reforms and power reforms were other areas where Bihar should focus its attention, Mr. Pant said. The State should take all measures to attract foreign investment and this could be achieved by improving the basic infrastructure like availability of power and transport, he added. He complimented the State for improving its resources position.

Apprising the Deputy Chairman about the financial performance of the State, the Chief Minister said all efforts were being made to increase resources but the State had suffered a lot because of the division. She demanded special consideration from the Commission and said the State was working on reforms in the power sector which would result in additional revenue generation of around Rs. 100 crores per annum.

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Section  : Other States
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