New Delhi, June 04: The Planning Commission today pegged Gujarat plan for 2003-04 at Rs 7860 crore even as the state government sought the commission's intervention for a reduction in interest rates. The amount was approved here after a meeting between deputy chairman K C Pant and Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Pant expressed concern over the increasing revenue expenditure on account of enhanced liabilities relating to interest payments, pension and salaries.
He asked the state to step up public investment in key areas like agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.
Pant also noted that the state had witnessed stagnant growth in agriculture and asked it to take steps for rural development.
The Chief Minister observed that state was suffering on account of high interest rates on various loans and advances and sought intervention of planning commission to plead its case for a reduction.
Modi said the state had been giving focussed attention to introduction of e-governance to ensure transparency. Bureau Report