12th Plan okayed

The Cabinet today approved the draft 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2013 to 2016-2017) document, which aims at an average annual GDP growth of 8.2 per cent. The document would now be placed before the National Development Council. “It is an ambitious plan, having ambitious estimates of resource availability and hopes to expand intervention in critical areas,” Finance Minister P Chidambaram said.

OTHER DECISIONS
Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDF): A model tripartite deal has been cleared between the concessionaire, project authorities and IDF. This will facilitate early operationalisation of IDFs.

Law Commission: The 20th Law Commission, set up for three years starting September 1, will examine laws that affect the poor and carry post-audit of socio-economic legislations.

Employment Exchanges: Employment exchanges would be renamed. Private sector employing between 10 and 24 would be brought under the purview of the Act.

Wildlife Protection Act: More power would be given to gram sabhas and panchayats.

Health allowance: Rate of risk allowance, hospital patient care allowance and patient allowance payable to about two lakh central government employees doubled.

Nagoya Protocol: It will enable India stop bio-piracy and join a league of 92 countries. Haldia Petro project: West Bengal’s request to withdraw from Haldia Petrochemical Project has been approved.

Land transfer: Transfer of 200 square meters of government land in Farakka Barage Project to West Bengal.

ITI: Indian Telephone Industries to get Rs 130 crore for salary payments.