Ahluwalia lauds Karnataka's stellar economic performance

New Delhi, Apr 12 (ANI): Deputy Chairperson of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia has lauded Karnataka's stellar economic performance indicators.

"We had a very full and thorough discussion with Karnataka Chief Minister D.V. Sadanand Gowda. The state government presented their perspective for Karnataka's development in the Twelfth Plan. We have agreed on a plan size for the current year of Rs. 42,030 crore (Rs. 420.30 billion). I think that is quite a good plan size for Karnataka," Ahluwalia told media after the finalisation of the fiscal outlay for Karnataka at Rs. 420.30 billion.

"We have reviewed all the sectors, areas of strength, where we think maybe we need a little more attention. Karnataka is one of the leading states in the country and many of its performance indicators are actually very good," he added.

Meanwhile, Gowda welcomed the Plan panel's decision, saying it was in-sync with the demand put forth by his government.

"The Planning Commission has once again appreciated Karnataka for maintaining fiscal discipline and for overall fiscal management. Further, the Planning Commission has also approved the plan size of Rs. 42,030 crore for 2012-13 as proposed by the state. The per capita plan outlay works out at Rs. 7064, which is one of the highest among the major states," Gowda said.

However, the Planning Commission has urged the Karnataka government to give adequate attention to the education, health, agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

It has also suggested public-private-partnership to boost the development process in Karnataka.

According to government data, Karnataka recorded a high growth rate of 12.60 percent in the fiscal year 2007-08, which declined sharply to 8.87 percent in 2010-11. (ANI)