Writeup AP 2011-12 - Punjab State Planning Board

eceives a meager allocation under RKVY. Inspite of having the highest SC population of
29% due to skewed BPL criterion, the state does not receive substantial funds under various
poverty alleviation schemes. States having villages without electricity and roads get
substantial funds under PMGSY and RGGVY and the states like Punjab which have 100%
coverage under rural roads and electrification, the allocation is not much. Similarly, under
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the state having already provided primary schools as per norms does
not get any assistance for opening of new primary schools. There is no provision under these
schemes for maintenance of infrastructure which has already been created in the state. We
urge Government of India to review the criteria for allocation of funds under these flagship
schemes and adequate funds should be provided for upgradation and maintenance of these
assets like roads, irrigation network, schools & electrification etc.
CONCLUSION
194. The size of the Annual Plan 2011-12 has been fixed at Rs. 11520 crore. The
focus shall be on development of infrastructure in Health, Medical Education and Higher
Education. Another area which has received importance in the Plan is the Social Sector,
where so far most of the schemes were being implemented for the welfare of BPL and SC
families. The scope of some of the schemes has been widened in the current plan so as to
include those belonging to Backward Class families and economically weaker families with
an overall income limit of Rs. 30000 per annum. Some specific schemes for girls like Bebe
Nanaki Ladli Beti Kalyan scheme for deposit of Rs 15,000 on the birth of a girl child, Mai
Bhago Vidya scheme for providing bicycle to girls studying in class 10+1 and 10+2 and
Mata Kaushalya Kalyan scheme for providing cash assistance for deliveries in government
hospital have been introduced. Sports is another sector which has seen a sizeable increase in
plan allocation. Providing water supply scheme to all 14111 rural habitations, provision of
water supply, sewerage and STPs in the Municipal towns are the other important objective of
the next year plan. Other traditional areas such as power, infrastructure, agriculture,
irrigation and welfare of SCs continue to receive big allocations in the plan for 2011-12.
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