Top priority to social and irrigation sectors Revenue receipt increased while deficit has been decreased

Gujarat’s Annual Plan size for 2006-07 has been pegged at Rs.12503 crores which is higher by Rs.1503 crores (increase of 13.6%) as compared to last year’s Annual Plan. This was decided at a meeting held at New Delhi between Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Other members of the Planning Commission and senior officials of Gujarat were also present.

At the outset, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia congratulated Shri Narendra Modi for making Gujarat a model state in respect of all round development, which could be a model for other States in the country. Shri B.N. Yugandhar, Member Planning Commission complimented the CM for outstanding work in the areas of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM). Dr. Syeda Hameed, Member commended Panchamrut philosophy adopted by the State and for allocating 36% for the State’s social sector schemes.

Prof. Abhijit Sen Member congratulated the CM for strides made by the Government in the field of agriculture and for the impressive growth rate achieved through Krishi Mahotsav Programme. He commended specifically for distribution of 12.28 lakh soil health cards to the farmers. Dr. V.L. Chopra appreciated the progress made in the participatory forestry programme and the green cover worst affected districts of Gujarat to solve water problem.
More than 20 lakh electricity connections have been checked to detect the pilferage of power during 2004-05 and the power theft to the tune of Rs.17718.52 lakh has been assessed.

A second green revolution is in the making in Gujarat. The State has followed a paradigm shift in its approach focusing on doubling the agricultural income of the farmers within next five years.

Safe motherhood, Autonomy to the State Hospitals, pioneering school health programme, protection of people from natural disasters, safety in public life etc. are covered under the Rakshashakti programme. A remarkable campaign under the name “Chiranjeevi Yojana” entitles any poor woman to go to a private Gynecologist for delivery at state expenses.

Shri Narendra Modi expressed his displeasure with the Central Government for discriminating against Gujarat on many a developmental issues.

Similarly, Govt of India has taken away 200 MW quota of power traditionally available to Gujarat since years. “Development should be a common goal for both the Governments irrespective of the Party in power” he said.

The Planning Commission approved a total of Rs 134 crores of additional assistance to Gujarat from the Planning Commission , which is the highest so far.