State Government to push for perspective plan

Expressbuzz, Jan 25, 2010
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has reiterated its demand for approval of the eight-year perspective plan for the KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput) districts submitted to the Centre last year.


It submitted the plan of Rs 4,550 crore to be implemented from 2009 to 2017. It demanded that the funds should be provided as special Central assistance in the form of 100 per cent grant. The State Government has utilised 99.81 per cent of the special Central assistance of Rs 1,704 crore received during 1998-2009 for the Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP) for the KBK region.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taken up the issue with the Centre and the Planning Commission several times. However, even though a year has lapsed, the scheme is yet to be considered by the Planning Commission.

The State Government, however, hopes that the Centre may announce a package for the KBK districts in its budget for 2010-11.

The State Government has also demanded a special Central assistance of Rs 300 crore for the Vijayawada-Ranchi highway project for its timely completion.

The project will help in the development of 12 tribal-dominated districts in the State as well as tackle the growing activities of the Maoists in the region.

Minister for Planning and Coordination AU Singhdeo re c e n t ly broached the subject with Sam Pitroda, advisor to Prime Minister on infrastructure, innovation and broadband connectivity, in Delhi recently. He sought the support of Pitroda for establishment of high quality skill development centres in the KBK region and other backward districts in the State.