Assam Plan For 2012-13 Finalized

The Annual Plan for the year 2012-13 for the state of Assamwas finalised here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr.Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Assam, Sh.TarunGogoi. The plan size has been agreed at Rs.10500 crore.

In his comments on the performance of the State, Sh. Ahluwalia said that there has been constant improvement in the GSDP during the first three year of 11th plan. GSDP growth (at 2004-05 prices) has been 4.81% in 2007-08, improved to 6.82% in 2008-09 and in 2009-10 estimated growth over previous year is 8.08%. The performance of Agriculture and Allied sector has shown considerable improvement. The overall achievement of Agriculture and allied sector during the 10th Plan period was 1.16%. Against this the annual growth in first three years of the 11th Plan has been 2.8%, 6.3% and 4.2%. This is quite encouraging against the target of 2% for the 11th Plan period. He said the State needs to focus on further improving infrastructure and particularly road connectivity. He said land erosion also need priority attention of the Government.

The Services sector performance has also been good in the first three years of the 11th Plan, which was 7.8% in 2007-08, 8.6% in 2008-09 and 12.2% in 2009-10 against the overall target of 8% for this sector. It is expected that this trend would continue for the whole Plan period. However, there is a fluctuating trend in the industry sector. The industries growth, which was at 0.7% in 2007-08, improved to 3.3% in 2008-09, but declined to 2.5% in 2009-10. The overall target of industry sector is 8%. State may take all necessary corrective steps to improve this scenario.

There had been significant improvement in the financial health of the State during the recent past. The State Government has achieved and fiscal deficit reduction targets under the FRBM for the first three years of the 12th Finance Commission period. This has entitled the State of substantial debt waiver. In 2009-10 also the efficient financial management has benefited the State directly by way of general debt relief and debt waiver.

Briefing Commission in the development strategy, Mr.Gogoi said the vision of his Government for the 12th Year Plan period will be creation of a vibrant and resurgent Assam. The acceleration that has been achieved in the economy during the 11th Five Year Plan period will have to be continued in the 12th Five Year Plan period. The endeavour to adopt a policy of comprehensive and effective development to further reduce the poverty and economic inequality in the State would continue.

The Chief Minister said that in the backdrop of the multiplier effects and the present acceleration trend of economy of the State, Assam will be able to achieve a growth of around 9.38% during the 12th Five Year Plan period. In case of sectoral growth 5.01% under Agriculture, 12.50% under Service and 4.65% under Industry is expected.

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