The Planning Commission has approved an annual plan outlay of Rs. 2500 crore for Tripura for the financial year 2013-14.
The plan size was finalized in a meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar here last evening.
In his opening remarks on the performance of the State, Ahluwalia said that the growth rate has been almost at par with the national achievement during eleventh plan and even plan realization is satisfactory.
He said Planning Commission is happy about the development strategy, which has lot of focus on agriculture.
He said Planning Commission would push early completion of central infrastructure projects being implemented in the State.
Complementing the state for economic performance, it was acknowledge that the GSDP at constant (2004-05) prices of Tripura has increased by 90.84 percent from 2004-05 to 2012-13, while, the national GDP increased by 85.21 percent for the same period. During the same period the per capita NSDP at constant (2004-05) prices of Tripura has increased by 74.14 percent, which is higher than the increase in national per capita NNI of 62.13 percent.
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Ahluwalia said that the State has been adopting policy of seeking funds and resources for investing in basic infrastructure. The State has brought consistent progress in quality of life and income of people cutting across all sections of society.
He said the process needs to be taken forward for improving socio-economic conditions of the people. The state government was advised to adopt investment friendly policies aimed at encouraging private participation in both physical and social infrastructure development. Private participation was necessary to accelerate infrastructure development process. Need to focus on health and education was also emphasised.
The State was advised to strengthen the service delivery system with more accountability and transparency with minimal procedures by making use of information technology. Small holder Dairy production systems hold promise in the State especially in non-tribal areas. Efforts need to be directed towards promoting these systems.
He said the State Government has emphasis on empowering women. To look after the welfare of SC/ST and women, a committee has also been constituted in each Gram Panchayat and has started functioning to impart necessary training to both the officials as well as elected representatives.
Briefing the Commission on development strategy, Sarkar said inclusive development strategy has helped in improving human development.
He said that as per Census 2011, Tripura has male and female literacy at 92.18 percent and 83.15 percent, respectively as against 82.14 percent and 65.46 percent at national level respectively. The total literacy is 87.75 percent which is higher than the national literacy rate of 74.04 percent. The state was working on preparing a comprehensive strategic plan indicating the measures and interventions for development of higher education and consolidation of existing institutions in the state.
Tripura is among the States where "Restructured ICDS" is being rolled out. While initiating the strengthened and re-structured ICDS, State would promote the joyful learning approach for children 3-6 years of age, including school readiness interventions for children 5 plus years of age, either in AWCs or in schools.
He said the State Government would give emphasis on strengthening trade, commerce, economic and cultural ties with Bangladesh during 12th plan for giving necessary fillip to the economy.