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The Annual Plan for Andhra Pradesh for the year 2005-2006 was finalized here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. The Plan outlay was agreed at Rs.15650.77 crores. This includes one time Central assistance of Rs.134.33 crores for projects of special importance to the State.
The Deputy Chairman complimented the State for overall performance and particularly for substantially reducing population below poverty line by focused distribution of subsidized food grains. He also appreciated the State for focused attention to irrigation but pointed out that prioritization of projects was necessary to ensure time bound results. State's efforts towards power sector management were also appreciated.
Mr. Ahluwalia said that Central support towards food for work programme and backward region grant fund to be operationalized shortly, could be better utilized for water management in under developed regions of the State. He said State should work towards efficient use of electricity and further strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Industrialization should be promoted by continuing with cluster development approach and infrastructure building. The State was also advised to promote public private partnership in road and port sectors.
Members of the Commission drew attention of the State towards slowing down of State GDP and particularly growth in the agriculture sector. The State was also advised to evolve a more practical water management policy and pay more focused attention to dry land farming.
The Chief Minister pointed out that his government was giving top priority to the development of rural areas and reducing regional imbalance. Agriculture and allied areas were on the priority list of the government. Projects are already in the pipeline to increase irrigation potential in Telengana Region by 35 lakh acres during the next four years. In the power sector efforts are on to improve efficiency by reducing T & D losses. Budgetary allocation towards rural development has been increased by 25 per cent this year and primary health centers throughout the State are being strengthened. Water conservation programmes have been taken up in the eight districts being covered under food for work programme.
NNK : RK
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