Panel clears Rs 9,620-cr plan for K'taka for FY04

NEW DELHI: Appreciating the state’s success in the execution of ‘Kisan Credit Card’ scheme and improvement in human development indices in the state, the Planning Commission today approved Rs 9,620-crore plan for Karnataka for ’03-04.
The plan, which was finalised at a meeting between the state chief minister SM Krishna and the commission’s deputy chairman KC Pant, also includes the additional central assistance of Rs 36.3 crore for special schemes. Lauding the innovative measures taken by the state for reducing the drop out rate at primary levels and to encourage information technology, Mr Pant said the benefits of development must be ensured to better delivery of health, nutrition, education, drinking water and housing schemes, an official release said.
Mr Pant termed as positive the initiatives taken in the irrigation sector including the system of levy and collection of water charges and bringing them within the jurisdiction of water user societies. The state should aim at sustainable growth of IT and biotechnology while attaining high standards in bio-informatic education and R&D to make Karnataka a flagship state in this area.
Coupled with developmental steps in IT and biotechnology, Mr Pant said the state should work towards the development of agriculture and allied activities as nearly 69% of the state’s population was dependent on this sector.