The poor and the underprivileged did not benefit from the growth pattern in the eighth plan period, according to the draft approach paper of the ninth plan. There was evidence of deterioration in inter-regional disparities of per capita income, the paper said.
The draft, approved by the cabinet last month, will be presented to the National Development Council on January 16 for discussion and finalisation, Planning Commission sources said.
Despite good agricultural growth in the eighth plan, agro-potential was not nurtured and investments in irrigation projects fell short of targets, the draft said adding that the strain on the agricultural economy was beginning to show.