New Delhi: The Annual Plan for the year 2012-13 for the state of Assam was finalised at Rs 10,500 crore at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi held on Tuesday.
In his comments on the performance of the state, Mr Ahluwalia said there has been constant improvement in the GSDP during the first three year of 11th plan.
GSDP growth (at 2004-05 prices) has been 4.81 per cent in 2007-08, improved to 6.82 per cent in 2008-09 and in 2009-10 estimated growth over previous year is 8.08 per cent.
The performance of Agriculture and Allied sector has shown considerable improvement.
The overall achievement of Agriculture and allied sector during the 10th Plan period was 1.16 per cent.
Against this the annual growth in first three years of the 11th Plan has been 2.8 per cent, 6.3 per cent and 4.2 per cent.
Mr Ahluwalia said this is quite encouraging against the target of 2 per cent for the 11th Plan period.
He said the state needs to focus on further improving infrastructure and particularly road connectivity. He said land erosion also need priority attention of the Government.
The Services sector performance has also been good in the first three years of the 11th Plan, which was 7.8 per cent in 2007-08, 8.6 per cent in 2008-09 and 12.2 per cent in 2009-10 against the overall target of 8 per cent for this sector.
It is expected that this trend would continue for the entire Plan period.
However, there is a fluctuating trend in the industry sector. The industry growth, which was at 0.7 per cent in 2007-08, improved to 3.3per cent.in 2008-09, but declined to 2.5 per cent in 2009-10.
The overall target of industry sector is 8 per cent State may take all necessary corrective steps to improve this scenario.
Mr Ahluwalia said there had been significant improvement in the financial health of the State during the recent past.
The State Government has achieved and fiscal deficit reduction targets under the FRBM for the first three years of the 12th Finance Commission period.
This has entitled the State of substantial debt waiver. In 2009-10 also the efficient financial management has benefited the State directly by way of general debt relief and debt waiver.
Briefing Commission in the development strategy, Mr Gogoi said the vision of his Government for the 12th Five Year Plan period will be creation of a vibrant and resurgent Assam.
The acceleration that has been achieved in the economy during the 11th Five Year Plan period will have to be continued in the 12th Five Year Plan period.
The endeavour to adopt a policy of comprehensive and effective development to further reduce the poverty and economic inequality in the State would continue. The Chief Minister said in the backdrop of the multiplier effects and the present acceleration trend of economy of the State, Assam will be able to achieve a growth of around 9.3 per cent during the 12th Five Year Plan period.
In case of sectoral growth 5.01 per cent under Agriculture, 12.50 per cent under Service and 4.65 per cent under Industry is expected. (UNI)