The Sikkim Annual Plan 2008-09 aims to develop the agriculture, floriculture and horticulture sectors of Sikkim. A sum of Rs 852 crores has been allocated by the Planning Commission of India which is inclusive of an additional assistance of Rs 77 crores has also been finalized.
The Sikkim Annual Plan 2008-09 has been recently finalized and a disbursement of Rs 852 crores has been granted by the Planning Commission of India. This amount includes Rs 77 crores that has been allocated by the Central Government of India for the aforesaid financial year. The overall performance of the Indian state of Sikkim was decent during the last fiscal. The state excelled in areas like health and education along with other priority programs. The Commission is of the opinion that the state should concentrate more for the development of physical infrastructure and should encourage & involve private partners. The human development index of Sikkim also registered better growth in comparison to other Indian states.
Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Pawan Chamling, both agreed that despite achieving decent growth targets in the 10th plan, more effort is needed to develop the agriculture, floriculture and horticulture sectors in Sikkim. Tourism industry and development of human resources are other areas that need further attention to help generate more employment in the state. More than 40% of the fund has been allocated for the development of the social sector of Sikkim. 17% of the funds have been allocated for the development of education in the state. Improvement of the overall economy of the state is the prime focus. Rs 1000 crores have been earmarked for the development of high value, low volume environment friendly industries in the state. Establishment of a Central University in the state has also been proposed. This is to be executed with the assistance of Central Government. Increase in investments is a major focus area of the Sikkim Annual Plan 2008-09. Moreover, election in rural areas of Sikkim would help accelerate the developmental work and the overall development of economy of the state.
