Date:31/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101001700.htm

Back UP Plan outlay fixed at Rs 13,500 cr

Our Bureau

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, calling on the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, prior to a meeting to discuss the State's annual Plan in the Capital on Thursday. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Dec. 30

THE annual Plan outlay of Uttar Pradesh for 2005-06 has been determined at Rs 13,500 crore which includes one-time additional Central assistance of Rs 200 crore for tackling special problems and Rs 308 crore of one-time additional market borrowings.

The Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, decided this at the Yojana Bhavan here.

The Plan panel drew attention to the low plan fund utilisation, slow agricultural growth and the need to improve infrastructure especially in the special economic zones being developed by the State.

It was also suggested that in view of the immense tourism potential, the State should work towards encouraging setting up of more hotel accommodations particularly budget hotels.

Other areas of concern included population control and technical education.

It was stated that six cities in the State with population of more than 10 million would benefit from the Centre's initiative aimed at improving infrastructure. It was also suggested that connectivity between Noida and Gurgaon through metro or road should be considered on priority.

In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman said that being the most populous State in the country, Uttar Pradesh must take a lead in development.

He said fiscal performance of the State was improving.

The Chief Minister briefed the Plan panel about the various developmental activities being undertaken by his Government.

The State was also concerned about the decline in the growth in agriculture, he added.