Date:23/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/23/stories/2006022303251900.htm

Back Uttaranchal Plan size fixed at Rs 4,000 cr

Our Bureau

The Uttaranchal Chief Minister, Mr N.D. Tiwari, and the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, in New Delhi on Wednesday. — Anu Pushkarna

New Delhi , Feb 22

THE annual plan size of Uttaranchal for the next fiscal year 2006-07 has been fixed at Rs 4,000 crore, inclusive of special assistance of Rs 200 crore for projects of priority to the State.

At a meeting convened by the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, with the State Chief Minister, Mr N.D. Tiwari, here, the Plan panel drew attention to high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in the power sector and decrease in the forest cover of the State.

The State was asked to introduce capacity building programmes in the forest sector and also initiate action to reduce T&D losses. The State was further asked to link forest resources with agriculture income of people living in rural areas and also encourage role of women in agriculture.

Briefing the Commission on the performance of the State, Mr Tiwari said efforts are being made to develop infrastructure and create more outlets for employment. A sectoral strategy has been worked out for encouraging self-employment and wage employment.

He said the State has given high priority to healthy, education and social welfare and further noted that the State was encouraging public-private partnership in all possible areas including heath and infrastructure.