Jammu & Kashmir Annual Plan 2010-11 Finalized
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17:49 IST
The Annual Plan for Jammu & Kashmir for the year 2010-11 was finalized here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of J & K Mr. Omar Abdullah. The Annual Plan was finalized at Rs.6000 crores.

Planning Commission appreciated State’s plan to develop 690 MW power generation capacity in PPP mode. The balance hydro power generation potential also needs to be similarly exploited, as it holds the key to State’s economic growth and for generating resources to fund its development schemes. Wind farm based capacity should be expanded and non-conventional systems based on solar and bio-mass also need to be encouraged.

Employment generation in J&K is a priority area. Handicraft and Tourism sector hold high potential in absorbing unemployed youth. The State should take steps to draw up a skill development plan to enhance employability of its youths.

There are large gaps in the delivery of health services mainly due to shortage of manpower. The State should take appropriate steps to fill these critical gaps and have focussed attention on inclusive growth. On infrastructure development incentives in the form of policies should be offered to make private sector active partner in the development of both social and physical infrastructure.

Science & Technology and innovation have played a critical role in economic growth and development of States. The State Science & Technology Council, through the State Department of Science & Technology must be playing a catalytic role in integrating Science & Technology into the development process of the State. The S&T council should formulate a Science & Technology Vision for the State with a definite road map for S&T intervention. Technological solutions that are available, affordable, accessible and appropriate will have to be provided.

Mr Ahluwalia said that the State Government should work out an action plan for rapid development of the State during twelfth plan period which ensures that the fruits of development reach people in all parts of the State equally. More avenues of revenue generation should be explored and State has abundant natural resources to create more streams of revenue generation.

Briefing the Commission on the development strategy for the State, Mr Abdullah said that the Government would create investment friendly environment and fiscal discipline would be maintained to make process of development more sustainable. Horticulture and tourism would be focal point of development. Social services and road development would get priority in the plan outlay.

NNK/RK