Goa Annual Plan 2009-10 finalized

Annual Plan of Goa for the year 2009-10 was approved in a meeting, here today, between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and the Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat. The Annual Plan size was agreed at Rs.2240 crores, which includes additional Central assistance of Rs.40 crores for national games and other projects of special importance to the State.

In his remarks on the performance of the State, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia said that the State has been doing well on all fronts including social sector. He said efforts should be made to have continued emphasis on inclusiveness of the development efforts and also encouraging private participation. He said tourism related infrastructure development should get priority as the State has immense potential to attract large number of tourists.

During the discussion Planning Commission also emphasized on the need to closely monitor the fiscal situation in order to avoid any slippage from the targets. The State government also needs to take all necessary steps to ensure that full advantage is taken of assistance available from the Government of India. Mr. Ahluwalia pointed out that State should work towards further improving infrastructure related to health and education and Planning Commission would support such effort. He said there is scope to have museum of international standard which would supplement tourist's attraction in visiting Goa.

He said the Commission is in the process of finalizing mid-term appraisal for the Eleventh Plan and would like to take notice of innovative initiatives of States which have helped in accelerating development process.

In his comments the Chief Minister said that the State government has been supporting private sector participation in both physical and social infrastructure. He pointed out that projects including cruise terminal and minor ports, bus stands, inland waterways, convention centre and Panaji-Vasco Sea link are being taken up in public private partnership mode. Infrastructure cess has been introduced on vehicles entering Goa and infrastructure development cess has also been imposed on transportation of iron ore and other minerals. Steps are also been taken to ensure equitable and inclusive growth. These include incentives to girl, SC & ST students.