Question : EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL SECTOR PROJECTS

(a) whether the Government has advised all the State Governments to pay more emphasis on Social Sector projects especially bringing down the number of school dropouts and women development specific schemes before giving sanction to their plan outlay for the year 2007-08;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to slash the plan outlay of the States which have not been able to execute Centrally Sponsored Schemes successfully during the year 2007-08; and

(d) if so, the amount sanctioned and released to each State during the financial year 2006-07 and 2007-08, State-wise?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING (SHRI M.V. RAJASEKHARAN)

(a) & (b) The size of the Annual Plan of States which basically consist of States own resources and Central assistance is decided by the Planning Commission after detailed discussions with the State Governments and assessment of resource availability. Sectoral distribution of the Annual Plan outlay is made by the State Governments after Working Group discussions with the various Subject matter Divisions of Planning Commission. During Working Group discussions, States are advised to take up suitable schemes for Social Sectors.

(c) No, Sir.

(d) A statement indicateing State-wise outlay sanctioned for Social Sectors during 2006-07 is annexed. The sector-wise outlay sanctioned to States for 2007-08 have not been finalised.