The Hindu Business Line : Goa’s Annual Plan fixed at Rs 1,430 cr

New Delhi, Oct 23 The annual plan of Goa for the current fiscal year has been pegged at Rs 1,430 crore inclusive of additional Central assistance of Rs 25 crore for projects of special assistance to the State.

This was agreed at a meeting between the Planning Commission, Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the Goa Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat. It was further agreed that the Plan size could go up to Rs 1,595 crore subject to certain Court orders which could enable the State to raise another Rs 165 crore. The delayed finalisation was on account of election held for the State Assembly .

Achievements lauded

The Plan panel lauded the State for achievements in literacy and poverty eradication. Compared to the national average of 27.5 per cent of poverty, the State has poverty ratio of 13.8 per cent as per the Planning Commission estimates for the year 2004-05. Literacy rate also increased from 75.51 per cent in 1991 to 82.32 per cent in 2001. But attention was drawn to disturbing decline in sex ratio and gender gap in work force.

Objectives of State

Briefing the Commission on the performance and objectives of the State, the Chief Minister said Goa was moving towards the next stage of development aimed at achieving standards of a developed nation by 2012. All requisite IT infrastructure was being established for moving towards knowledge economy. Efforts were on to create investment-friendly climate leading to more employment avenues. 100 per cent literacy would be achieved by 2010.

On fiscal initiatives, the Chief Minister pointed out that the State has enacted fiscal reduction and budget management legislation and revenue surplus position has been achieved two years ahead of target.

Fiscal deficit was also brought under check and sinking fund constituted to manage debt burden. Separate pension fund is being contemplated to take care of pension liabilities, it was pointed out.

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