Northern states seek policy changes for 8.5% growth

The northern states of Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh have said to improve the GDP growth rate from 7 to 8.5 per cent, policy initiatives have to be taken by the Centre.

The chief ministers of these states expressed this during consultations with the Planning Commission to finalise the approach paper to the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12).

During consultations, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav said he opposed the wheat import policy, and condemned the Centre's import policy, terming it anti-farmer.

"If the Centre wants, UP can provide around 60 lakh of wheat which is lying in its grain mandis. This would not cost more than Rs 800-Rs 850 per quintal, as compared to the imported grain from Australia and other places which is costing Rs 1000 per quintal," he said.

Yadav also raised the issue of the special category status to Uttaranchal leading to an exodus of industry from UP to the state. "I don't have any objections to the central tax sops to Uttaranchal but would like the same treatment to be provided to UP," he added.

Yadav also lamented the lack of support by the Centre for setting up power plants in the state and the hurdles being put up for private sector power plans.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda asked for a cap on power trading prices. He also asked for metro connectivity to Gurgaon, Faridabad and other neighbouring areas to be taken up as central projects. Hooda also suggested that NCR towns be considered under the National Urban Renewal Mission.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit raised the issue of per capita based water distribution, common power plants and steps to check migration. She also brought up the issue of marginalisation of housing for service providers.

While Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh raised the issue of industrial package to his state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said for rural housing, Rs 25,000 per house was quite less and should be enhanced.