The Annual Plan of Chhattisgarh for the year 2008-09 has been approved in a meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Dr. Raman Singh, here today. The Annual Plan size was agreed at Rs.9600 crores. This includes additional Central assistance of Rs.50 crores for establishing and strengthening of infrastructure for collection & marketing of minor forest produce.

In his comments on the performance of the State, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr. Ahluwalia said that the State had good growth rate and performance in terms of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development & Public Distribution System was satisfactory. He also complimented the State for performance during Tenth Plan and pointed out that both growth rate and per capita income were growing satisfactorily. However, efforts should continue to make growth more inclusive. Income supporting schemes specially in tribal areas should be encouraged.

The State was asked to have more detailed district level planning to ensure that benefits of planning reach all sections of population. Focused attention was also needed to improve agricultural productivity and institutional delivery system also needs further strengthening. Efforts should also be made to further reduce T & D losses.

Briefing the Commission on plan achievements and future strategy, Dr. Raman Singh said that the State has been listed among better fiscal performer by the Reserve Bank of India. Positive balance of current revenue has been maintained since inception. Broad objective of Plan for next year would include inclusive growth, achievement of millennium development goals and up-gradation of infrastructure. Substantial increase would be made in allocation for agriculture & allied sector along with increased emphasis on non-farm income. To further deepen the outreach of food security an outlay of Rs.772 crores would be provided. All villages and hamlets will have access to safe drinking water by March, 2009. Pipe water would be supplied to remaining 32 towns shortly.