The Prime Minister says, the growth target for the 12th five year plan can be revised to 9.2 percent if the domestic and global economic situation improves. Dr Manmohan Singh told the Planning Commission Panel that 9 percent growth is feasible in the next plan, if government takes tough decisions. Talking to reporters after the meeting of the full Planning Commission in New Delhi on Saturday, Dr Singh said that government is keen to fast track the second generation reforms by uniting all political parties to push forward this agenda.He said insurance sector reforms and implementation of the Goods and Services Tax are a priority in the financial sector reforms.Earlier in his opening remarks , Dr Singh emphasised the need for stepping up growth rate in the agriculture sector to 4 per cent during the next Plan. He said it is necessary to avoid inflationary pressure and improve rural income. Dr Singh said that the agriculture sector is estimated to grow by 3.3 per cent during the current Plan period.The Prime Minister said that health, education and skill development are key areas of the strategy of inclusive development in the current Plan and they will continue to be the focus areas in the next plan as well. The Prime Minister also underlined the need to focus on implementation and governance to improve effectiveness of the flagship programmes aimed at promoting inclusive growth.Dr Singh said the Approach Paper rightly points out the need for a new legislation to deal with the land acquisition issue. He said that the new legislation should strike a balance between the need for fair compensation, and the need to ensure that land acquisition does not become an impediment to meet the needs for infrastructure development, industrial expansion and urbanisation. The Prime Minister also emphasised the need for greater public investment and public private partnerships to address infrastructure shortages in the country.AIR Correspondent reports that the Approach Paper prepared by the Planning Commission was discussed in detail in the meeting. It provides for a broad framework to be pursued in the five-year period to achieve all round development. After the nod by the Planning Commission, the document will be placed before the Union Cabinet for consideration before being taken up for discussion and final approval by the country's highest policy-making body, the National Development Council.Briefing reporters about the deliberations in the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia said that the panel is in favour of consolidation of centrally sponspored schemes.He said water conservation and energy efficiency also remained the focus of discussions. It is proposed to construct energy efficient buildings to address this issue. Ahluwalia sought support of the State Governments to achieve this objective.Minister of State for Planning Ashwani Kumar called for transgenic research to enhance agricultural productivity. Abhijeet Sen Member of the Planning Commission replied a volley of question on achievements in agriculture and increasing irrigation facilities. ‘
News On AIR | August 20, 2011 10:05 PM
‘Growth target for 12th 5yr plan can be revised to 9.2 pc: PM