11th Plan draft sets 10% growth target

The draft approach paper to the 11th Plan (2007-12) was submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for approval on Tuesday.

The approach paper for the Plan may target an ambitious growth rate hike from eight per cent to 10 per cent, laying a strong foundation for similar growth in the future.

"Among the major objectives of the next Plan, reduction of poverty occupies the top most priority for the Plan panel. It may aim to reduce the poverty ratio to less than 10 per cent by 2011-12. The work on the final approach paper has already started and is likely to be completed by August this year," a Planning Commission official told Business Standard.

Regular testing of educational levels in primary schools to monitor the effectiveness of education, an increase in the literacy rate for persons of seven years of age or more to 80 per cent and a reduction in the maternal mortality rate to one per 1000 live births by 2012 are also likely to be the high points of the next Plan period.

"Clean drinking water for all by 2009, ensuring that there are no slippages, electricity connection to all villages and below-poverty-line households by 2009 and round the clock power by 2012-end may also feature in the final approach paper," the official added.

Other targets include all-weather road connections to habitations with a population of 1000 and above. The density is to be 500 for hilly and tribal areas and the connections are to be established by 2009. All significant habitations are to be covered by 2015.

The next plan may also be witness to the construction of 60 lakh homes for rural poor by 2009 and of another 60 lakh by 2012.

Expanding secondary schools with hostels and vocational facilities in order to increase enrolment to 60 per cent of the relevant age group and effecting an increase in the forest and tree cover to 33 per cent are also among the objectives.