In his comments, Mr. Ahluwalia said that the Commission was finalizing approach for the twelfth Plan and as part of this exercise it would be holding regional consultations shortly. He said the State Government should come forward with their views on Central Government strategy for inclusive growth and also identify problems in the way of better implementation of these policies. He said the State Government should also take policy initiatives aimed at encouraging private investment in both social and physical infrastructure. Achievements in health and education sectors were appreciated. Need to upscale growth in horticulture and floriculture was suggested to improve revenue resource.

The State was also asked to explore the scope of promoting bio-technology programme especially for economically important biologically resources. While commending setting up of bio-resources development Centers, the Commission stressed on the need to move forward with a detailed action plan for strengthening bio-technology by bringing together scientists from various fields.

Explaining the development strategy of the State Chief Minster Sangma said the focus would continue on poverty eradication. The State Plan would target generating additional work opportunities to 1.5 lakh people. Generation of employment in rural areas would be State’s top priority. A number of livelihood programmes have been introduced. Lively-hood mission has been launched with aims at an integrated approach to the fish farming along with animal husbandry.

He said efforts are on to improve fiscal health and numbers of initiatives have been taken to improve resources, encourage private participation. He said resource mobilization measures include streamlining of tax collection, increasing VAT and introduction of electricity duty. He said satisfactory improvements have been recorded in literacy, agriculture, horticulture and road connectivity.