The Planning Commission has finalized Annual Plan of over 17 thousand crore to Odisha for the year 2012-13.

It has been sanctioned in a meeting between Deputy Chairman of the Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik in New Delhi.

On this occasion, Mr Ahluwalia said the performance of state is satisfactory and appreciable progress has been reached during 11th five Year Plan in all sectors.

He said more intense efforts are needed to improve basic amenities and address the problem of adverse child sex ratio in the state.

The Deputy Chairman said public private partnership needs to be further encouraged in both physical and social infrastructure development.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister said the state government will give more focus to improve human development indicators in 12th Five Year Plan. He said it will also focus to improve the quality of education, healthcare, and food security.

Mr. Patnaik said more livelihood and employment opportunities will be created and policy framework will be further strengthened to improve investment climate in the state.