Date:18/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/18/stories/2006021803621900.htm

Back Jharkhand Plan size fixed at Rs 6,500 cr

Our Bureau

The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Mr Arjun Munda, with the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, to finalise the annual Plan for the State in New Delhi on Friday. — Anu Pushkarna

New Delhi , Feb 17

THE annual Plan for Jharkhand for 2006-07 has been determined at Rs 6,500 crore, inclusive of one-time Central assistance of Rs 35 crore for projects of special interest to the State.

At a meeting to peg the State's annual plan size convened by the Planning Commission here with the State Chief Minister, Mr Arjun Munda, the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, said that Jharkhand, being a mineral-rich State, should use this natural resource optimally for improving the socio-economic standard of the people.

He said while doing so, the State should ensure that a transparent and just rehabilitation policy is implemented. Planning Commission, he said, is currently engaged in reviewing the mineral policy so as to put in place a framework, which accelerates growth in this sector.

He urged the State administration to gear itself to implement a slew of new programmes lined up by the Centre, including Bharat Nirman, backward region grant fund and Employment Guarantee Act.

Briefing the Plan panel, the State Chief Minister said that huge investment proposals in sectors such as steel and power have been received and emphasis would be to ensure that local population benefits from this.

He said skill upgradation would be given priority.

He urged the Centre to help the State in expediting development of road and rail network as they are needed for encouraging private participation in mining.