Chhattisgarh for change in working of plan panel

NEW DELHI: Supporting changes in the mandate and functions of the plan panel to suit the needs of states, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said a constitutionally-formed body can replace the panel which should analyse and distribute funds to the states.

"There has to be proper coordination among states and Centre which can be done through a new constitutional body," the Chief Minister of BJP-ruled state said, speaking at the meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on proposed structure of Planning Commission.

He said Planning Commission's present work of allocating funds to the states annually has become a ritual.

"Planning Commission working has become centralised.The planning on the states subjects decided under the Constitution is being done by the Commission."

"Schemes are being decided on one parameter rather on needs of states," Singh said strongly supporting changes in the plan panel.

He suggested that plan and non-plan allocation should also be ended as it has no meaning.

"There should not be a limit for five years or other for spending on schemes in social and economic sector.Funds allocated under these heads should be for achieving the goal.

"However, for infrastructure development, funds may be given for definite time frame like under five years plan. There has to be flexibility in policy which needs to be formulated by the Centre so that states can mould it to suit their special needs and priorities," Singh said.

He also suggested a panel of national and internationally acclaimed specialists under the new body which can suggest states on sector-specific needs and other issues.

Singh said National Development Council has also become aimless and suggested changes in its mandate too.

The Prime Minister is the Chairman of the Planning Commission, which works under the overall guidance of the National Development Council, according to its present mandate.