With development becoming critical in poll strategy, the UPA Government has sought support from the Planning Commission in finalising the blue print for its election campaign.

“You may call this role changing or rather addition in prescribed role. In fact, its role will not just be restricted to provide advice and guidance for the formulation of Five-Year Plans, Annual Plans, State Plans, Monitoring Plan Programmes, Projects and Schemes, but also as a key strategist to the poll campaign,” a senior Government official told Business Line .

This new exercise will be on an informal basis, the official said adding that the Commission is expected to work on three areas – financial issues, flagship programmes and benefits to different professions.

Key indicators

The official said that on the Government’s request the Commission is preparing a comprehensive chart on key fiscal indicators during 10 years of UPA Government vis-à-vis the six years of NDA Government. These indicators include fiscal deficit, the current account deficit, inflation besides growth scenario.

The Government has claimed that the average growth rate during 10 years of UPA (2004-2014) was 7.7 per cent in comparison to 6.2 per cent during 1994-2004.

The Commission has also been asked to give details about State-wise allocation of funds for various flagships programmes.

Currently, the Centre runs flagship schemes such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, National Rural Health Mission, Integrated Child Development Services, National Rural Health Mission, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Mid Day Meal Scheme, and Backward Regions Grant Fund besides others.

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