Sikkim Annual Plan for 2007-2008

The Annual Plan for Sikkim for the year 2007-08 was finalized here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling. On the basis of identifiable resources, the Plan outlay of Rs.691.14 crores was agreed for the year 2007-08. This includes special Plan assistance and additional Central assistance of Rs.65.72 crores for projects of special importance to the State.

Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, said in his opening remarks that the State was doing well on all fronts. Socio-economic indicators were better than many States. He said in health and education sectors performance is appreciable. Panchayati Raj Institutions have been empowered. Efforts should be made to further strengthen small scale industry and seed production for which State has suitable weather conditions. During the Eleventh Plan period efforts should be to achieve self-reliance in food-grain production.

Public private partnership should be encouraged in all sectors particularly areas where State has natural potential. Eco-tourism, floriculture and traditional medicines need to be given priority. The State was advised to concentrate on optimum utilization of abundant natural resources for sustainable economic development.

The Chief Minister briefed the Commission on priorities for Eleventh Plan. He said tourism, horticulture, human resource development, hydel power generation and border trade related infrastructure will be given focused attention. In the social sector major emphasis will be on primary education and primary health care. Consolidation of devolution process along with downsizing of the government will be the keys to improve governance.

He said education has been given priority with 18 per cent plan allocation. The government will give priority to new school buildings to accommodate more children in school. Private investments are coming into the State since new industrial policy was operationalised. Number of MoUs has been signed.

NNK : RK

Source: Press Information Bureau