Bihar annual plan fixed at Rs 16,000 cr

New Delhi: The annual Plan of Bihar for 2009-10 has been fixed at Rs 16,000 crore, inclusive of additional Central assistance of Rs 110 crore for projects of special importance to the State. This was approved today at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr Nitish Kumar.

Agriculture plan
In his preliminary remarks, Mr Ahluwalia complimented the State Government for the policy initiatives aimed at accelerating infrastructure development. He said States with low per capita income should maintain higher public investments in infrastructure as it would catalyse private investments.

The encouragement to public-private partnerships in road and tourism sector was appreciated as also the State’s initiative of having agriculture plan for each district.

Attention was drawn to the need for better Plan realisation and provision of land for power sector infrastructure. The State was advised to involve financial institutions in skill development. In the absence of adequate industrial response, financial institutions can be involved in mobilising industry and NGOs in generating skilled activities in the State. The State government was advised to avail benefits available under JNNURM for up-gradation of civic amenities in Patna and major cities.

Mr Ahluwalia said the Commission intends having in-depth review of Eleventh Plan initiatives shortly during the mid-term review and asked the State Government to submit proposals regarding any flexibility needed to expedite implementation. He said social sector initiatives should be integrated to ensure productivity.

Thrust on social sector
Briefing the Commission on the Plan performance of the State, Mr Kumar said that during next year, thrust will be on social sector, physical infrastructure and agriculture and allied areas. In education, the strategy will be to move from expansion to consolidation. Around 390 basic schools will be strengthened and teachers training will get emphasis. In health sector, priority will be given to consolidation of facilities and improvement in delivery of health services.