Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

2006 to be Year of Implementation, Investment & Infrastructure

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired a meeting of senior officials in the Prime Minister's Office to review the implementation of the National Common Minimum Programme in 2005 and outline priorities for 2006. The meeting noted that most of the important programmes and initiatives outlined in the NCMP have already been launched in 2005. In 2006 the key task for the central Government would be to ensure effective implementation on the ground of major programmes, especially those that require active participation and support of State Governments and District administration.

The key initiatives of 2005 that will be closely monitored in 2006 are: Bharat Nirman, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Rural Health Mission and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Various initiatives in the field of education, including Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and mid-day meals programme will also be monitored. The key initiatives of the Government can be grouped under the two broad rubrics of "Bharat Nirman" and "Rozgar Badhao".

Apart from Implementation of NCMP initiatives, the meeting also stressed the importance of continued focus on the Infrastructure sector, especially power, coal, roads, railways and airports. It was decided to ensure quarterly monitoring of project implementation in each area. It was also decided to pursue new initiatives to ensure increased Investment in the economy, especially labour-intensive investment. Policy initiatives will be taken to encourage employment-generating investment in agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors.

Economic policy reform aimed at encouraging new investment in all sectors of the economy will be taken up. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of sound macro-economic management and prudent fiscal management.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for regular monitoring of economic, social, political and national security trends within the country, as well as regionally and globally. He asked for close monitoring of programme implementation at the District, State and Central level, and by the Prime Minister's Office.

Apart from senior officials of the PMO, the meeting was also attended by the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission.