The Hindu Business Line : Rajasthan annual Plan pegged at Rs 8,424 cr

The Chief Minister said that water and power would be given top priority. She said a State-wide movement would be launched to create awareness about scarcity of water and the need for its efficient use.

New Delhi , Jan. 12

THE annual plan size of Rajasthan for the next fiscal has been determined at Rs 8,424 crore based on the identifiable resources, even as it was agreed that depending on more resources becoming available, the plan size could be stepped up to Rs 8,600 crore in the course of the next fiscal.

At a meeting between the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the State Chief Minister, Ms Vasundhara Raje Scindia, the annual plan size for the State for 2006-07 has been finalised. Mr Ahluwalia lauded the State for improved performance and realistic approach in finalising the plan size of the State. He said available evidence indicate that the State is touching 6 per cent growth rate with its progress in social sector and rural development being encouraging. He, however, said the State must exercise caution in working out a strategy to meet water demands.

Alongside, he said, crop diversification with special emphasis on less water intensive crop was recommended to Rajasthan. The State was also asked to have a second view on development of water canals. Introduction of legislation or control of ground water exploitation was suggested. It was also pointed out that health indicators were almost stagnant for more than a decade and efforts should be directed to improve performance in education and health sectors.

On the fiscal situation, it was pointed out that the interest payments were high and the State was passing through a fiscal stress situation. Gender budgeting and proper monitoring of women-related programmes along with policy intervention aimed at ensuring women's share in wage employment was suggested.

Briefing the Commission on the performance of the State, the Chief Minister said that water and power would be the top priority for action. She said a State-wide movement would be launched to create awareness about scarcity of water and the need for its efficient use.

During this programme called "Jal Abhiyan" the Government would pay undivided attention to make the campaign of awareness a success. She said that there has been some improvement in fiscal health of the State and said the State has been giving due emphasis to public-private partnership.

NGOs and business houses were being encouraged to take part in schemes like mid-day meal programme.