NEW DELHI: An official, who attended the meeting, said the uniqueness of this plan from previous plans lies in its emphasis on the freedom of choice. “The most significant demand on the part of the state government was that the Commission should allow flexibility in the utilisation of Centrally-sponsored schemes considering the state’s status in many sectors. We had tailor-made our proposal keeping this in mind and the Planning Commission was quite appreciative of our demands,’’ the official said.
On the other hand, the Planning Commission has suggested that the state should focus on revenue generation and employment creation.
The Commission has also suggested that the state should move on to the new pension system as most of other states have already done so for better fiscal sustainability. The Commission suggested that the state should set up an empowered committee on externally-aided projects for facilitating early approval.
It reminded the Chief Minister of long overdue reforms in the power sector.
Demands of Kerala
Government:
More freedom to decide parameters for Centrally-sponsored schemes
Extending SSA facilities to aided schools
More heads under NREGA works
Special funds to address second-generation health issues in the state
Demands of Planning Commission:
Focus on revenue generation and employment creation
Adoption of new pension system
A fresh look at the state industrial policy to create investor-friendly environment
Setting up of an empowered committee on externally-aided projects for facilitating early approval
Implementation of long overdue reforms in the power sector.