Manipur's Annual Plan fixed at Rs 2600 crore

The Annual Plan for Manipur for 2010-11 was agreed at Rs 2600 crore at a meeting here today between Planning Commission Deputy Cbairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

During the discussions, Mr Ahluwalia praised the State Government for accelerating the pace of development and assured it that fund constraints would not be allowed to hamper progress in development.

He said the Commission would ensure that there was no delay in the release of funds to the State.

The State was asked to improve its performance in power sector reforms and execution of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

Mr Ahluwalia pointed out that, in recognition of the need for infrastructure development, the Planning Commission had agreed to give focused attention to road, power, education and health services. Funds have also been provided to improve employment opportunities. Attention was drawn to the fall in allocation to social services and high incidence of HIV cases.

The Chief Minister in his remarks said that efforts were on to increase foodgrain production to reduce the foodgrain deficit, expand horticulture area and improve processing facilities, increase per capita income to all India level and electrification of all villages by 2012.

He said the Government intended to construct buildings for all schools during this year and also work towards electrification of all villages and self-sufficiency in food by 2012.

NNN