Conscious of the fact that the current meltdown could have damaged the development strategy to a point where there is an urgent need for major changes in the 11th Plan, the Planning Commission has opted to undertake a Mid Term Review on the agenda of its first meeting after reconstitution. Taking note of the government’s resolve to push forward its aam aadmi agenda with greater zeal, the commission is fully aware that any lapses in the social sector would not be pardonable as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is convinced that the mandate it got in the elections is primarily because of the continued emphasis on inclusive growth.

The meeting scheduled for tomorrow would also give it an opportunity to clear schemes which merit immediate implementation but could not be adopted because of the government being in transition. These schemes, which relate to law and order and social welfare of old age persons, need immediate implementation because of growing terrorism and adverse affect of economic policies on social fabric.

Among the agenda is deliberating on a system ensuring software connectivity of the police stations to track crime, which would enable a faster response time from the uniformed personnel. Another agenda is approving projects on dwellings for old citizens.

While the Centre’s welfare schemes are undeniable, as the UPA has reaped rich dividends, the commission may also consider weeding out virtually defunct schemes, which have outlived their utility or are duplicating mega schemes, which are targeting similar objectives. According to sources, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is understood to have directed all ministries and departments to work out a plan suggesting ways to downsize existing programmes.

... contd.