From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: As a prelude to the National Development Council meeting later this month, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma had a meeting with members of the Planning Commission on Monday and sought detailed discussion with the Deputy Chairman to present Meghalaya’s specific standpoint on the 12th Five-year Plan.
Dr Sangma met Mrs Sudha Pillai, Secretary of the Planning Commission, and apprised her about the progress the State has made so far. He however, wanted a detailed meeting with the Deputy Chairman Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia to present the State’s proposals for the 12th Plan.
The National Development Council (NDC) or the Rashtriya Vikas Parishad is the apex body for decision making and deliberations on development matters in the country and meets from time to time. Presided over by the Prime Minister it was set up way back in 1952 to strengthen and mobilise the effort and resources of the nation in support of the Five-year Plans.
It is also meant to promote common economic policies in all vital spheres, and to ensure balanced and rapid development of all parts of the country. The Council comprises besides the Prime Minister, the Union cabinet ministers, chief ministers and members of the Planning Commission.
Incidentally, Meghalaya, which received a very low annual plan allocation the previous year, received one of the highest plan allocations for the current fiscal. The State has also come in for appreciation by the Deputy Chairman.
The Chief Minister, who arrived in the national capital on Saturday, is leaving for Shillong on Tuesday.