Planning Commission approves Rs 9500 cr as annual plan of Orissa

NEW DELHI: The Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a sum of Rs 9500 crores as the annual plan of Orissa for the year 2009-10. The plan aws approved at a meeting between the deputy chairman Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the finance minister of Orissa P C Ghadhai.

During the meeting, the Planning Commission requested the state government to make specific suggestions on making guidelines for centrally sponsored schemes more flexible to improve implementation.

It was pointed out that the Commission has sought views of all chief ministers in this regard. The state government was also asked to make best use of the Central initiatives aimed at accelerating development process specially in the states which are lagging behind. In particular, attention was drawn to the Central initiatives of constructing roads in nexalite affected areas. It was pointed out that the four districts of Orissa fall in this category.

The Planning Commission also suggested that the State Government should resort to creative solutions in improving sectors like education and health. Introduction of mobile health services through private participation and focus on improving quality of education were recommended. It also supported state��������s request for introduction of ad-valorem royalty on mineral.