Planning panel for re-launch of RLTA

The Pioneer, 10th August, 2009

PPNS Bhubaneswar

The Planning Commission in its report to the Centre has pointed out that the Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP) for the eight KBK districts should be continued to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people living there. The RLTAP for KBK districts came to an end in 2006-07. Despite the State Government’s repeated pleas, the Centre did not extend the plan. Later, the State Government was forced to announce a special scheme - Biju KBK Yojana - to ensure development of the region. But the region requires huge funds to carry out developmental works.The KBK region, which used to get Rs 250 crore under RLTAP since 1998-99, was getting only Rs 130 crore for KBK besides Rs 120 crore from the Backward Region Grant Fund since 2007. Keeping an eye on the development of the KBK region comprising eight districts, the State Government had submitted an eight-year Rs 4,550 crore perspective plan. The plan envisaged spending the funds from 2009 to 2017. Planning Commission Member Abhijit Sen who came here in July to review the progress in the State's Plan expenditure had also indicated that it would favour extension of the RLTAP. He had assured the Orissa Government that the Planning Commission would consider Orissa's perspective plan for backward KBK districts. The Centre may take a decision again to re-lunch the RLTAP as nothing has improved over the years. People are still languishing under acute poverty.