West Bengal Annual Plan 2010-11 Finalized

Annual Plan of West Bengal for the year 2008-09 was approved today at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. The Annual Plan size was agreed at Rs.17985 crores.

Mr. Ahluwalia released West Bengal Development Report 2008 which has analyzed the major economic issues covering all sectors of the State economy. The Development Report says that expenditure on social sectors should increase to sustain the gains of human development. It also says that growth of employment and income could be promoted by investing more in infrastructure sectors and also in agricultural and industrial projects.

Mr Ahluwalia complemented the State Government for the measures taken to improve fiscal health of the State economy and pointed out that fiscal deficit, revenue deficit and the ratio of interest payment to revenue receipt as percentage of GSDP are showing signs of improvement. He said that more attention was needed for improving cold storage, packaging, transportation; processing and marketing of agriculture and horticulture produce as there exists immense employment potential.

He said the State with its broad customer base, rich mineral resources and large talent pool, could emerge as one of the leading States to drive the next phase of industrialization in the country. He said West Bengal is a gateway to East and North-East, the region that produces 16 per cent of India’s GDP. Being strategically positioned for bilateral trade, West Bengal can regain leadership in manufacturing and thereby ensure high levels of employment and income.

It was pointed out that State should promote food processing, textiles and light engineering sectors. It should promote cluster concept as it has both resources and skills for such industries. The number of clusters should be increased and concept made more effective.

Mr. Ahluwalia said that the Eleventh Plan had emphasized the role of PPP in infrastructure development and the Centre had followed an active plan of pushing PPP in infrastructure. He said many States have also taken initiatives in this area and are encouraging Public-Private Partnership even in social sectors like health and education.

Briefing the Commission on the Plan performance of the State, the Chief Minister Mr. Buddhadeb said that efforts are on to improve growth in agriculture and industry sectors. Agriculture has shown 4 percent plus growth rate. Human development programme would include enhancing livelihood opportunity, empowerment through education and improved health care facilities. To make Plan more inclusive focus would be on introducing gender plan at State and District levels. Partnership with NGOs would be promoted and focused funding for minorities increased.

Special efforts would be made to remove urban poverty, increase investment in infrastructure, intensify National Rural Health Mission and Serva Siksha Abhiyan and emphasise on small and micro enterprises. NNK /RK