Financial allotment of Haryana Annual Plan 2008-09

The Haryana Annual Plan 2008-09 has been recently finalized and a disbursement of Rs 6650 crores has been granted by the Planning Commission of India. An one time disbursement of Rs 100 crores has also been allocated by the Central Government of India for special purpose projects of the state which has been included in the total outlay.

Annual performance of Haryana

The Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, Mr Montek Sing Ahluhalia said the overall performance of the state was quite satisfactory and it met growth expectations of the commission. He further commented that the state of Haryana registered 9% growth in the tenth plan against the target of 7.9% and a higher growth target of 11% has been set for the Haryana Annual Plan 2008-09.

He suggested, with one of the highest per capita incomes in India, the state should now put efforts on improving human development index and efforts should also be made in narrowing down the gap between the different standards of living of the people of Haryana. Development of infrastructural facilities should be focused on to attract further investments in the state. The Chairman of the Commission also advised inclusion of private sector in development of new townships, social forestation and improvement of logistics system.

Achievements and future policies of Haryana

Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana announced his plans for the financial year 2008-09. The chief minister said that the state would put more efforts on resource mobilization and social sector performance as suggested in the Haryana Annual Plan 2008-09. The state introduced luxury tax on premium hotel & banquet halls. Further, stamp duty rates for registration of sale of properties within the state of Haryana have been rationalized. Compulsory computer education has been introduced in secondary schools and special networking facility - Edusat Network has been installed to connect all schools across the entire state of Haryana. Modernization of the health care institutions of the state has been effected as per requirements and national standards. To meet the challenge of scarcity of water, sprinkle irrigation was being encouraged and subsidies have been requested from the center for this purpose. Transparent Industrial promotion Act has been drafted to facilitate single window time-barred, clearance system in place. New labor policy has been introduced to attract more private investments. He further suggested that the tax incentives for industries in Aravali, Mewat and Shivalik should be made at par with hill states.