Commission holds talks with industry ministry on 12th Plan

Planning Commission held discussions with the officials of the industry ministry on the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17), which is likely to aim at 10 per cent annual economic growth.

Planning Commission Member Arun Mair in his meeting with industry ministry officials is believed to have sought their views on the structure of the next plan which will come into force from 2012-13.

Maira also emphasized on greater participation of apex chamber in preparation of the 'Approach Paper', which will lay out the major targets, key challenges in meeting them, and make the growth more inclusive.

"While industry chambers have always been active in providing suggestions towards government policies, this time the Planning Commission is expecting even greater participation from them," an official said.

Preparation of the Plan is a herculean task and the process starts about 15-18 months ahead of its commencement.

Once the Approach Paper is prepared, it requires approval of the Cabinet and the National Development Council, which includes all the Chief Ministers of the States.

"It (Approach Paper) provides the architecture, which is fleshed out in detail in the Plan itself," the Planning Commission said.

With an aim at developing an "inclusive and participative approach" to the process, the Commission has decided that the Approach Paper will be evolved through a web-based consultative process in which all interested persons can participate.

"We have developed a multi-dimensional strategy matrix, which indicates some of the key areas we need to explore," it said.