Date:01/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/01/stories/2005030101750500.htm

Back Budget favourable to NCMP: Montek

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Feb. 28

THE Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, endorsed the Budget proposals presented by the Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, today.

"Most of the critical areas suggested in the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) have been addressed and Budget allocations increased," he said addressing presspersons here. Many steps have been taken to push forward the reforms process besides a favourable treatment has been given to the NCMP, he said. A lot of focus has been given to agricultural sector research initiatives. He also said that the focus on boosting public-private partnership is a step in the right direction.

Further, the Commission would like to effectively monitor the projects that are viable, he said.