State planning board identifies 12 key transformations

Karnataka’s State Planning Board has identified 12 key transformations aimed at affirming its future policy to drive the state’s growth. At the first meeting of the state planning board chaired by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, ‘Karnataka — a Vision 2020 For Development’ document was tabled for discussion.

According to deputy chairman of state planning board D H Shankaramurthy: “The vision document aims to achieve inclusive and shared growth, and has identified 12 areas for growth or transformation.”

The board is looking to achieve rural prosperity through higher incomes from agriculture and allied activities. The state will focus on job-oriented growth through development of the necessary skills among the workforce at the district level. The paper also envisages developing the state as a knowledge society by imparting quality education and, improving access and availability of quality healthcare.

The board aims to achieve a sustainable and orderly process of industrialisation and urbanisation. It aims to enhance opportunities and empower women across economic, social and political spheres.

The document calls to bridge the gap between the socially-backward and vulnerable groups and the better-off people. Meanwhile, it aims to ensure sustainability of the environment and natural resources through its vision documents and policies for each sector.

Improving the energy availability and developing infrastructure to boost productivity in the state and preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage are among the other aims mentioned in the document.