Plan allocation for Punjab hiked 13%

Punjab's annual Plan for 2006-07 has been set 13 per cent higher at Rs 4,000 crore, against Rs 3,550 crore allocated for the current fiscal. This includes additional central assistance of Rs 100 crore for the state's special interest projects.

In the state's annual Plan meeting that was held between Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the state was complimented for creating infrastructure of international standards and for making improvements in rural economy.

The apex Plan panel also appreciated the state for its low poverty rate and high per capita income.

The Plan panel suggested that the state develop an integrated land use policy for reviving agriculture.

The Planning Commission asked the Punjab government to take adequate measures to protect environment in the pursuit of its industrialisation policy.

Singh apprised the panel about the progress made by the state to revive the economy. He said the state had attracted Rs 52,000 crore investment during the last two years leading to the creation of 10 lakh jobs.