Planning Commission of India Monday approved an outlay of Rs. 2000 crore for Nagaland’s Annual Plan for 2013-14 (12th plan).
The plan, almost 13% down compared to the previous plan (2012-13 at Rs. 2300 cr), was finalized here today at a meeting between deputy chairman, Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio.
“We have agreed on a plan size of Rs 2,000 crore, which is fully funded. The growth rate is quite satisfactory in the last several years, many innovative things are happening.
We have particularly noted in the agriculture sector, performance of Nagaland is very good, better than the national average,” Ahluwalia told reporters after the meeting.
It was informed that the Commission agreed to the state’s projected Balance from Current Revenues (BCR) gap of minus Rs. 1440.08 crores, to ensure salaries and pension payment to the employees.
Considering the BCR gap, the state plan was finalized at Rs. 2000 crore, ACS & development commissioner, H.K Khulu stated.
Ahluwalia said the Commission was constrained to curtail the Plan outlay of various states including Special Category states due to the difficult fiscal situation the country was presently facing.
Stating that the Nagaland is right in maintaining focus on agriculture sector during the 12th plan, he said potential for growth in horticulture and floriculture was good.
Development of physical infrastructure particularly roads must get priority to encourage agriculture sector, he said, adding, the Commission was ready to help in accelerating road construction during the 12th plan. “Efforts should be more focused on creating revenue generating assets”, he said.
12th plan projection for growth is 10%: Rio
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio Monday said the “12th Plan projection for growth is 10%” adding, the 12th Plan has been formulated in tune with the National approach.
“By September there will be a fresh look at the things and then whatever problems or requirements we have pointed out, that will be looked after so therefore we are happy,” Rio said.
Planning process has been directed at inclusive economic growth with special emphasis on agriculture and allied sector, power, connectivity including air, surface and railway, human resources development including skill development, development of backward and under development areas and planned urban centres.
Special Development Zones: Rio said the changed perspective during the 12th plan would focus on urbanization and industrialization.
In this regard, Rio said the state plans to set up Special Development Zones (SDZs) and to conceptualize the linear cities along a 4-lane iconic highway from Tizit-Dimapur-Jalukie-Khelma and a parallel railway line.
To exploit mineral resources ‘full-way’: With growth in mining and quarrying sector projected at 14.53%, Rio asserted that the state government intended to go in a full way to exploit the mineral resources.
Rio also requested the Commission to sanction the funds and to fulfill the commitment of the Special Economic Development package for Eastern Nagaland areas.
As part of the Look East Policy, Rio said there was an urgent need to develop the following roads—Tizit to Longwa via Mon, NH-155 to Pangsha (Chendang Saddle-Noklak-Pangsha) and NH-155 (from Akhewgo) to Avankhung via Wazeho to Pukhungri.
Iconic projects: He also appealed that the proposed Foothill Road and the Trans Nagaland Frontier Highway from Mon to Avankhung along with the three mentioned roads be considered as “Iconic projects” for eth state during the 12th plan and urged Centre to take them up as “National Projects”.
Ahluwalia assured to review the Plan allocation, including Special Economic Package for Eastern Nagaland in the month of September/October after assessing the Country’s resource position.