The Hindu Business Line : `Avoid bureaucratic hassles to canalise funds effectively'

THE Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, has said that bureaucratic hassles have to be avoided if funds from the Centre were to be canalised effectively and efficiently.

Speaking to reporters after attending a closed door round table conference on the West Bengal Human Development Report 2004, Dr Ahluwalia said, States require more flexibility for proper utilisation of funds for different projects and schemes.

According to him, the West Bengal Human Development Report 2004 was not biased — it has been prepared by private researchers — and showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of the State.

He said there were certain gaps in some sectors that could be plugged with proper plans and programmes. Economic growth in West Bengal was among the best in the country, he said, and added that the forthcoming plan allocation for the State would be a "good amount".

However, generation of employment has not been commensurate with the growth in the State's economy. Besides, more emphasis needs to be laid on the delivery systems in public services such as health and education. The State needs a watchful administration that should tactfully handle areas where there were gaps. Dr Ahluwalia said West Bengal should focus on the industrial sector with a view to reducing the burden on the agriculture sector. He said the eight per cent national GDP growth had been pegged with a view to generating employment. Had the figure been pegged lower at six per cent, the incremental generation of jobs would be negligible. Of the Rs 10,000 crore earmarked for development of States, Rs 6,000 crore would be routed through different schemes while the balance would be given directly to the States, he said.

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