RailEnquiry

The Annual Plan for Himachal Pradesh for 2013-14 was finalised at Rs. 4,100 crore at a meeting here on Wednesday between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. The Plan size for the current fiscal is almost 11 per cent higher than the Rs. 3,700-crore outlay for 2012-13.In his initial remarks during the discussions, Mr. Ahluwalia noted that Himachal’s performance on the Plan front has been satisfactory. The human development indicators are comparable to any other State and its focus on social services are according to the Centre’s priorities. The State’s GSDP growth during the 11th Plan is pegged at 8.1 per cent, he said, which was almost equal to the national average of 8 per cent.The Commission pointed out that Himachal Pradesh has a huge potential to develop horticulture in view of its proximity to big markets, Delhi and Chandigarh being an added incentive and the State government should nurture the sector.It was particularly noted that while the State’s performance in the industrial and services sectors was much better than the national average, the government would have to make a comprehensive effort to achieve the targeted agricultural growth rate of three per cent during the 12th Plan period.

Briefing the Commission on the State’s development strategy and issues that would require the Centre’s attention, Mr. Singh said the government would require compensation in the form of ‘Green Bonus’ due to ecological services rendered to the nation by preserving the forest areas. He also sought a 90:10 funding pattern in all Centrally-sponsored schemes at par with other ‘Special category’ north-eastern States.

Mr. Singh also demanded the extension of the Central industrial package till 2020 and said the Planning Commission should draw up a strategy for development of infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and airports and power for the North-Western Himalayan States, as is being done for the north-eastern region. The Bilaspur-Leh via Manali and the Baddi-Chandigarh railway lines, he said, should be declared as projects of national importance.