"Gross budgetary support to the plan needs to be raised by 42 per cent in 2011-12, if the government intends to meet 11th plan (2007-12) target of Rs 14,31,711 crore at constant prices", a source in the Commission said.
Besides, sources pointed out that as the central assistance to State plans has already exceeded the projection, the GBS for central plan will have to be increased by 67 per cent (in 2011-12) to meet the overall targets.
GBS is the financial assistance provided through the Union Budget for the social sector and other development schemes of the centre as well as the states.
Pointing out that such hike in outlay was not possible for the government, sources said, priority this year would be to continue funding ongoing social sector programmes.
The Commission has already brought to Prime Minister’s notice the factual position to ensure that no big ticket programmes were taken up in the terminal year of the plan.
In view of the constraints, it is unlikely that efforts would be made to expedite the introduction of food security and other big ticket programmes involving the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and National Knowledge Network programme.
The focus is likely to be on the ongoing schemes, especially in the sectors of education and health which are integral part of UPA Government’s flagship programmes. Indications are that these two Ministries would get 20-25 per cent increase.
No major increase is expected in the rural development as surplus funds are already parked with the states for the implementation of these programmes and the Budget may commit additional funds as and when required.
Sources said as the Commission is confident that rural connectivity is helping in improving agricultural growth, the budget may see a substantive increase in PMGSY and Integrated Watershed Development programme.
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