Date:08/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/08/stories/2005020801511700.htm

Back Bengal Plan pegged at Rs 6,476 cr

Our Bureau

The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, with the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, in the Capital on Monday. At left is the State Finance Minister, Mr Asim Dasgupta. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Feb. 7

THE Annual Plan of West Bengal for 2005-06 has been fixed at Rs 6,476 crore, inclusive of Central assistance of Rs 100 crore for schemes of priority for the State.

At a meeting between the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the State Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the Plan size was determined here today. While appreciating the efforts of the State Government to revive the financial healthof the State, Dr Ahluwalia said special thrust on development of social and physical infrastructure would help the State in creating an investment-friendly milieu.

Kolkata could be a gateway to South East Asia and the Chief Minister's decision to set up a logistic hub in Kolkata-Haldia was a positive step and a team from the Plan panel led by the Member, Mr Anwarul Huda, would shortly visit the State to assess the project.

Members of the Planning Commission drew attention of the State Government to the efforts being made by the Central Government to substantially improve infrastructure in the States. It was pointed out that the Kolkata airport would be among the airports being taken up for upgradation in the second leg.

It was also pointed out that the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, was keen on substantially improving the urban infrastructure with a solid increase in the Central support for this being very likely.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal briefed the commission on the efforts being made to improve social and physical infrastructure and also to improve both tax and non-tax revenue generation.

It was pointed out that rigid guidelines were coming in the way of improving utilisation of funds under centrally sponsored schemes.