The Hindu Business Line : Goa’s annual Plan outlay at Rs 1,737 cr

The annual Plan of Goa for 2008-09 has been pegged at Rs 1,737.65 crore, inclusive of additional Central assistance of Rs 35 crore for projects of special interests to the State. This was decided at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Digambar Kamat, here on Tuesday.

In his opening remarks, Mr Ahluwalia said the State had impressive achievements both in the social sector and economy with a growth rate of over 10 per cent per annum, which shows that the State was ready to leap forward to the next stage of development by aiming at achieving higher standards of development and social justice during the 11th Plan period.

He said the State has been moving to a public-private partnership in all sectors of infrastructure. He said emphasis should continue on exploiting the opportunities arising from tourism and mining industries.

Agro-tourism, agro-processing and organic farming need more focused attention. He said this would supplement tourism industry while generating employment.

Mr Ahluwalia said the social indicators of the State like literacy, birth rate, death rate, infant mortality rate are impressive. Even per capita income of the State was not only the highest in the country, but almost three times the average of the country.

Attention was drawn to significant gender gap and high dropout rates at secondary level of education. Quality of education also needs focused attention.

The State Government was also complimented for setting up one of the best health care infrastructure including network of hospitals both in urban and rural areas.

Briefing the Commission on the performance of the State and focus of development during the 11th Plan, Mr Digambar Kamat said the focus would continue on social sector with increased participation of private sector.

He said against a growth rate of 6.9 per cent reached during the Ninth Plan period, the State has recorded a growth of 8.4 per cent in Tenth Plan.

Priority areas

It would aim at a growth of 12.1 per cent in the 11th Plan, which would include agricultural growth of 7.7 per cent, industry at 15.7 per cent and services at 9 per cent. Women self-help groups are being encouraged to take up income generating activities. To achieve higher growth rate in industry, food processing & agro-based industries, IT & IT enabled services pharmaceuticals & bio-tech industries and tourism would be given priority.

He said the State Government would work to make Goa a model State with high focus on knowledge and tourism.

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