Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21 2009:
The annual plan size of the State, for the current fiscal 2009-2010, will be finalised during a joint meeting between Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and the Deputy Chairman of Union Planning Commission at New Delhi on August 4 .
An official source informed that the Union Planning Commission has communicated to the State Government today in connection with finalising the annual State plan size, which had been stalled due to Parliamentary election.
It may be recalled here that finalisation of the annual State plan was kept at bay, following announcement of the model code of conduct of the election, although the Working Group met on January 16 and 17 .
For the current fiscal, the State Government has proposed a plan size of Rs 2425.92 crores including Rs 800 crores of SPA.
The sectors and allocations where the State Government has given priority in the annual plan include Social Services (Rs 548.93 crores), Irrigation and Flood Control (Rs 345.21 crores) and Energy (Rs 163.75 crores).
Other highlights of the proposal by the State Government in the annual plan are hiking 30 percent fund allocation in potential areas of horticulture in 2010-2011, completion of Khuga, Thoubal and Dolaithabi Irrigation Project by 2009-11, setting up of a State Medical College, setting up of rural health care institutions to reduce spread of HIV/AIDS, improvement of road and bridges and ensuring provision for safe drinking water to the people.
Meanwhile, ahead of finalising the annual plan size on August 4, a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary has discussed the status of the National Highways, the source disclosed.