The Hindu Business Line : PM moots State-wise strategies for farm sector

New Delhi March 20 The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, today directed the Planning Commission to come forward with State-wise strategies for agricultural development, which he would discuss with the Union Minister for Agriculture and State Chief Ministers.

Chairing a meeting to discuss agriculture, power and other sectors with the Plan panel here, the Prime Minister also reviewed implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

He urged the Planning Commission to closely monitor the implementation of these programmes along with the Ministries and State Governments concerned. The Prime Minister said, "NREGA is one of our most important initiatives. We are increasing its coverage. It is essential that this programme is implemented effectively. Hence, a systematic evaluation of its implementation till now is necessary to ensure that the programme delivers on its promises."

Dr Singh expressed concern at the slow pace of power sector development and reform and urged the Planning Commission to think boldly and come forward with ideas that can be discussed with State Governments.

The Prime Minister also urged the Planning Commission to come forward with new ideas on vocational education and modernisation of education. He said the Planning Commission should function as a think tank, enabling exchange of ideas between Ministries, between Centre and States and between Government and civil society.

The Prime Minister also suggested that Planning Commission should be pro-active in studying the issue of climate change and global warming and suggests strategies to deal with the challenge.