Date:19/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/19/stories/2008021951310100.htm

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Rs.1,750 crore Annual Plan for Puducherry

Ashok Dasgupta

NEW DELHI: The Annual Plan for Puducherry for 2008-09 was on Monday fixed at Rs.1,750 crore at a meeting here between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy.

Dr. Ahluwalia hailed the Union Territory for the growth achieved in sectors such as manufacturing and services even as its GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate was less than the national average. It was advised to focus on improving the utilisation of resources.

The Commission also commended the Puducherry government for its efforts to promote tourism in association with the private sector.

Briefing the Commission on its Eleventh Plan initiatives, Mr Rangasamy said the government would focus on social sector development with higher allocations for developing rural roads, better drinking water supply and slum improvement while laying special stress on primary and secondary education, primary healthcare services and public distribution system.