Mrs. Ambika Soni said the Union Cabinet today gave its nod the Planning Commission’s draft approach paper for the 12th plan to place it before National Development Council, NDC for final approval. She said that the approach paper has proposed a target of 9 per cent growth for the 12 th plan. The Minister said Health, education and skill development, environment, natural resources and infrastructure development will be the focus areas during the plan.
In another decision, the cabinet approved the proposal of Finance Ministry to withdraw the reduced interest rate of 9 per cent with regard to National Small Saving Fund loans. The proposal also has the provision for State governments to revert to 9 per cent interest rate as and when they comply with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management targets.
The Union Cabinet also gave its nod for laying the Action taken Memorandum on the recommendations contained in the 16th Annual report of the National Commission for Minorities for the year 2008-09 in both the Houses of Parliament. It also approved Amendments to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bangalore Bill, 2010.
The Amendments are based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.
