Chapter 1  

Approach and Strategy for the Annual Plan 2003-04

The National Tenth Plan, as approved by the National Development Council on 21^st December 2002, aimed at an annual growth rate of 8% in GDP for the period 2002-07, and to double the per capita income by 2012.  With population expected to grow at about 1.6% per annum, this target requires the rate of growth of GDP to be around 8.7% over the Tenth and Eleventh Plan periods. 

Economic growth cannot be the only objective for national planning and indeed over the years, development objectives are being defined not just in terms of increase in GDP or per capita income but more broader in terms of enhancement of human well being.  This includes not only an adequate level of consumption of food and other types of consumer goods but also access to basic social services especially education, health, availability of drinking water and basic sanitation.  It also includes the expansion of economic and social opportunities for all individuals and groups, reduction in disparities and greater participation in decision making.

To reflect the importance of these dimensions in development planning, the National Tenth Plan, besides envisaging a 8% growth rate, set monitorable targets for a few key indicators of human development like reduction of poverty, providing employment, schooling, increase in literacy rate, forest and tree cover, sustained access to potable drinking water, reduction of gender gaps in literacy and wage rates, decadal growth rate of population, IMR, MMR etc.

In concord with the National Plan, the Tamil Nadu's Tenth Plan has been drawn envisaging the same growth rate as for national economy. The goal is to make Tamil Nadu the best State, numero uno, in the country during the Tenth Five Year Plan. The aim is to provide opportunities for a healthy and productive life for all. The State’s Tenth Plan is based on the Chief Minister’s 15-point programme and covers the entire gamut of socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu. The vision is of doubling the per capita income of the State by 2010, two years before the national target. This would be achieved by adopting a four-pronged approach comprising of innovative development initiatives, good governance, maintenance of law and order and fiscal reforms.

Annual Plan  2003-2004

The Annual Plan 2003-04 has been formulated keeping in mind the approach set forth in the National Tenth Plan with emphasis on "growth with social justice and equity" and adopting plan priorities to bring about significant progress towards achieving the following output indicators set out as the State level monitorable targets for the Tenth Plan and beyond:

Monitorable Targets for Tamil Nadu's Tenth Plan

Economic Growth

• To ensure economic growth of 8% per annum  with an ICOR of 3.26 in  the Tenth Plan and 4%  in Agriculture and Allied Sectors.

• Doubling of per capita income of Tamil Nadu by 2010.

• Poverty Reduction

• To reduce poverty ratio from 21.12% in 1999-2000 to 10% by 2007 and aiming at near - elimination by 2012.

Employment

• To bring down unemployment rate as measured by current daily status from 12.05% in 1999-2000 to 6% by 2007 and to near-zero by 2012.

Education

• By the year 2005, there would be universalisation of education until Class V, with special effort for girls and disadvantaged groups.

• 100% retention of all enrolled children till age 14 by 2007.

• 100% access to a school within a km. by 2007.

• Raising of literacy rate from 73.5% in 2001 to 80% in 2007.

Health

• To reduce IMR from 52 per 1000 live births in 1999 to 28 per 1000 live births by 2007.

• To reduce MMR from 150 per 100,000 births to 100 by 2007 and 50 by 2012.

Forests

• To increase and stabilize forest area cover from present 17.6% to 25% by 2012 and also to ensure density of tree cover by eco-stabilisation,  eco-restoration and  eco-protection.

Drinking water

• To provide drinking water to all habitations and making them as fully covered habitations.

Gender Disparities

•  Reduction by 2007 of all rural-urban and female-male disparities in  wages, health, education by 50%.

Infrastructure

• To provide all weather roads to all habitations with population of 500 and above by 2007.

•  By the year 2008, Tamil Nadu will be the top ranking manufactured goods exporter in India and will double its export earnings;

• By the year 2010, all villages in Tamil Nadu will possess electricity, a trunk road, telephone and Internet connectivity, a school, clean water and sanitation, a village health worker, and local self-government.

•  By the year 2006, Tamil Nadu will not only be the leading player in the field of IT in India, but will also become a regional gateway to Asia, home to half the humanity.

Population Growth

• To reduce decadal population growth from 11.2% now to 7% by 2011 and to establish population stabilization.

Some of the initiatives taken up are as follows:

The State had moved the Centre for an untied package of grant assistance of Rs.3000 crores and subsequently for fiscal support to enable the State to take up fiscal reforms.  The Government of India extended an additional support of Rs.500 crores as Open Market Borrowings.  The State has also sought Rs.1000 crores for PSU reforms for funding VRS schemes in unviable units being closed and meeting other liabilities.

A Medium Term Fiscal Reforms Programme was prepared to improve the financial situation and take the State on a higher growth trajectory.  It includes measures to reduce the pace of growth of revenue expenditure, enhance receipts, reduce revenue and fiscal deficits and focussing on Public Sector and Corporate Sector reforms along with reforms in utilities such as the Tamil Nadu Electricity Boards and the State Transport Undertakings.

In order to restructure the outstanding debt  to control the debt service costs, outstanding high cost debt to Government of India to the tune of Rs.1045.89 crores has been swapped in 2002-2003.  This process will be continued in 2003-04 also.  Similarly, Government has gone in for resetting the interest rates of high cost loans obtained earlier from HUDCO to reduce interest payment commitments.

The Government will take up disinvestment of its stake in all public sector and corporate enterprises in the manufacturing sector.  A Voluntary Retirement Scheme for employees in the State PSUs and Cooperative Institutions is being implemented to facilitate their restructuring to make them efficient and cost effective.

In public transport, it is proposed to introduce competition and better service.  The STUs will be restructured through amalgamation.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced its decisions on electricity tariff by issue of tariff order on 13.3.2003.  It has also indicated measures to reduce costs.  The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board will undertake these measures to reduce costs.  It will concentrate on efficiency improvements, improving quality of energy supply, reduction in cost and prevention of theft. The tariff order has brought in for the first time the agriculture community under tariff net. Farmers have the option to either pay Rs.250/- per horse power per year or 20 paise per unit if the connection is metered. Tariffs have been hiked for all sections of consumers with domestic connections and commercial consumers facing the largest quantum of increase. The hike ranges between 22.12 % for domestic connection and 7.13% for cottage and tiny industries. The tariff increase is expected to net the TNEB Rs.1398.80 crores. Subsidy (direct) will be provided to small and marginal farmers as also to hut dwellers. 

The Government had constituted the Tax Reforms and Revenue Augmentation Commission under the chairmanship of the economist Dr. Raja J. Chellaiah.  The Government has taken action on the measures recommended including change in the main tax revenue of the State, viz Sales Tax and movement to the State VAT scheme.

The Staff and Expenditure Reforms Commission under the chairmanship of Dr. A.M. Swaminathan, I.A.S., (retd.) has made a detailed study of the staffing needs of every department and identified the surplus strength for redeployment to fill up the vacancies. This process of adjustment will facilitate rightsizing of the Government.  Certain changes in the pension entitlements have been made to control the whooping pension liabilities.

One of the major thrust areas in the Plan for 2003-2004 will be the accelerated development of quality infrastructure.  The provision of quality infrastructure helps in the growth of the economy. It has been decided to constitute an Infrastructure Development Fund with a specific allocation from the State Government. A provision of Rs.200 crores has been proposed for establishing this fund. 

Provision of quality infrastructure requires massive capital investment.  In the Union Budget for 2003-04, the GOI has unveiled the concept of viability gap funding to facilitate the higher level of investment in infrastructure development.  After examining this and other mechanisms available, it has been proposed to enact a new law providing for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure development in the State.

The Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and  Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (TUFIDCO) will be geared up to undertake financing of developmental projects to the extent of Rs.200 crores in 2003-04.

The State Government has finalised a Master Plan for Comprehensive Infrastructure development in the Chennai Metropolitan Area with an outlay of Rs.18,000 crores over a period of 10 years.

The State will obtain loan assistance from NABARD to the tune of Rs.400 crores for financing various components of rural infrastructure. This will include laying of rural roads and bridges, improvements in the facilities in rural schools, upgradation of rural health infrastructure, irrigation schemes, rain water harvesting structures, rural electrification and others.

The State Government signed a MoU with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products and Exports Development Authority (APEDA) and issued orders for establishing two more  Agri Export Zones, one in the Nilgiris for cut flowers and the other for mangoes in Theni district, besides the one in Hosur (in Dharmapuri District). 

The State's policy on  Special Economic Zones has been approved paving the way for formation of SEZs at Ennore, Chennai and Tuticorin, adjacent to existing ports for giving a special impetus to export oriented industrial units. Necessary clearances for the establishment of Apparel Parks in Chennai and Tirupur have been obtained. These will give a boost to the textile industry in the State.

The Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project, to be implemented with assistance from the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs.1900 crores, is in an advanced stage of finalisation and the agreement with  World Bank is likely to be concluded by June 2003 and implementation commence thereafter.

Adopting the new viability gap funding model announced by the Union Finance Minister (in his Budget Speech for 2003-04) which basically involves utilisation of private capital in road development in association with Government funding support for the viability gap with minimum toll charges, it is proposed to take up development of  several State Highways and major district roads. 

Under the Chief Minister's Highway Development Programmes, about 1,800  Kms. of State Highways and major district roads will be taken up under an accelerated development programme and completed in a period of 3 years at an estimated cost of Rs.1500 crores.

A Road Maintenance Fund will be constituted with a corpus of Rs.120 crores for maintenance of the core road networks in the State.

The employment goals will be achieved by developing the services sector. Information Technology will be a key driver for accelerated growth. The State is emerging as a major hub for software and hardware development and is poised to be the IT gateway to South East Asia. The State will establish the second Information Technology Park close to the existing TIDEL Park.   The IT Park at Siruseri will be expanded to become a Knowledge Industry Township. A world class highway to connect the Gandhi Mandapam Road in Chennai to the Siruseri IT Park and on to the East Coast Road will be built shortly. This will enable the entire belt up to the proposed new Administrative City to become a massive IT hub. A new IT policy has been formulated for giving a thrust to Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) and Business-Process Outsourcing (BPO) activities. The very fact that the World Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and ABN-AMRO Bank have chosen Chennai to locate their world operations indicates that Chennai is becoming a destination of choice. The State will build on these strengths.

The State Government has been concerned over the plateauing of vital health indicators such as the Birth Rate, Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate prior to 2001. This trend has to be corrected and a rapid improvement ensured. The Health Systems Development Project posed to the World Bank at a cost of Rs. 650 crores has been taken up for detailed examination and it is hoped that this will get approved in 2003-04. The existing network of health subcentres will be upgraded with quality infrastructure. Proper training will be imparted to Village Health Nurses so that effective service can be rendered in rural areas. The programme for the upgradation of primary health centres is being implemented in phases and 58 such centres have been taken up in 2002-03. The construction work on the new medical colleges at Theni, Vellore and Kanyakumari has begun. An innovative tele-medicine project has been launched and this will enable patients at faraway centres to access quality medical advice and treatment.

The Entrepreneurship Development Programme for women, the first ever Women’s Biotechnology Park near Chennai and the proposed Eco-Enterprises Park in Dindigul district, will open up new opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

The State Government has embarked on a major programme for improving access to quality education in the State under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. The emphasis has shifted from opening new schools to ensuring 100 percent enrolment and retention of children. The school noon meal programme ensures better retention. The total investment on nutrition for pre-school children and those of school going age in 2002-03 is estimated at Rs.645.76 crores. The State has requested the Centre to take up the entire noon meal programme as a national programme and provide 100 percent assistance as a grant.

The World Bank has come forward to process the development projects pending sanction for a long time. They include the Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project (Rs.2118 crores), and the Water Resources Consolidation Project - II (Rs.2900 crores), the Poverty Alleviation Project (Rs.1156 crores), the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Development Project (Rs. 650 crores), the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Sanitation Project for rural areas (Rs.2300 crores) and the Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project - III (Rs.750 crores). The other projects such as the Chennai Metropolitan Transport Project and the Tamil Nadu Primary Sector Development Project are also to be taken up with the World Bank. The State is also developing schemes and projects, which will be posed to other external agencies such as Asisan Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The Chennai Water Supply Augmentation Project - I has been launched to strengthen the system for irrigating 44,856 acres on the Veeranam Ayacut and to supply Veeranam water to Chennai.

Plan Outlay

During the first year of the Tenth Plan, i.e. 2002-03, the Revised Approved outlay was Rs.5754.43 crores and an amount of Rs.5841.05 crores was spent. The Plan size for 2003-04 has been proposed to be stepped up considerably having regard to the total outlay of Rs.40,000 crores for the Tenth Plan and keeping in mind the ultimate objective of doubling the per capita income by 2010 and, therefore, having a GDP growth rate of not less than 8%. The outlay for 2003-04 is proposed at Rs.7000 crores. This represents an increase of 21.74% over the approved outlay of Rs.5750 crores for 2002-03.

 The plan accords priorities to provision of social infrastructure like Water Supply and Sanitation, Housing and Urban Development, Education, Health, Welfare of SC,ST etc., (38.85%) followed by Infrastructure Development  like Power, Industry, Road and Transport (34.66%) and Agriculture, Rural Development and Irrigation  (23.38%). 

The main themes of the development agenda focussed in the Annual Plan 2003-04 include the following:

• Reinvigorating the primary sector comprising Agriculture and allied activities such as horticulture, floriculture etc. animal husbandry, fisheries, irrigation and rural development.

• Special thrust to the manufacturing sector with the implementation of second-generation reforms.

• Accelerated infrastructure development with a special focus on the Chennai metro area.

• Special emphasis on the development of information technology and tourism in the services sector for generation of new employment opportunities.

• Renewed emphasis on human resources development.

• Building a comprehensive social safety net and social security cover for the poor and the needy.

The sectorwise outlays for the Annual Plan 2003-2004  are shown below: 

The  Head of Developmentwise outlay  proposed   for the  Annual Plan 2003-2004  is  given  in  Statement  I.

In the following paragraphs, the highlights of the Annual Plan 2003-04 and the important programmes are set out.

Annual Plan 2003-04 - Highlights

Crop Husbandry

 Agriculture continues to be the predominant sector of the State economy, as 70% of the population is engaged in Agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. Government of Tamil Nadu has taken up the challenge to achieve higher growth rate in agriculture by implementing several development schemes and also propagation of relevant technologies to step up the production. Intensive Integrated farming system, massive Wasteland Development Programme, Horticulture Mission, comprehensive watershed development activities, water management through Micro irrigation systems, Organic farming, Soil health improvement through Bio-fertiliser including Green manuring, adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies are given priority through various programmes, besides Crop diversification to fetch better return and value addition to agricultural produce are also given priority to improve the economic status of the farming community.  A sizable 52% of Gross Cropped area comes under dry land farming where the productivity is low.  Modernizing the dry farming technologies coupled with adoption of appropriate water harvesting technologies is aimed at to increase the productivity in these areas. 

The Comprehensive Watershed Development Programme will be intensified in the year 2003-04. This programme consists of three components. The first component relates to bringing fallow lands, both current and permanent, owned by individual farmers under productive economic activity through an agri-clinical approach. The second component comprises getting corporate houses and federations of self-help groups to undertake development of wastelands along with an associated rural industry. The third component focusses on promoting agro-based food processing industries with an investment of Rs. 1 crore in each of the 385 blocks of the State under new Anna Marumalarchi Thittam. An outlay of  Rs.25 crores for the programme for  improvement of wasteland development based on participatory and agri-clinical approach is proposed.

Horticulture development will be the engine of growth for the primary sector.As a follow up to the Horticulture Development Mission, it has been decided to constitute Crop-Specific Missions to enhance the production and productivity of mangoes, bananas, cashews, hybrid vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants and cut flowers in the State. Three agro-export zones at Hosur, Nilgiris and Theni are being established. A programme for adoption of water efficient agricultural practices as in Isreal will be taken up in Dharmapuri District at a cost of Rs.2 crores. 

An amount of Rs. 179.28 crores is proposed for 2003-04.  This includes Rs.16.64 crores for seeds, Rs.8.67 crores for commercial crops, Rs.10.25 crores for crop insurance, Rs.10.85 crores for horticulture and vegetable crops and Rs.100 crores for Accelerated irrigation for small and marginal farmers.  

The provision for the scheme for Drip Irrigation has been stepped up from Rs.11.79 crores in 2002-03  to Rs.30 crores in 2003-04.

Agricultural Research and Education

Agricultural research and education are  cardinal elements in agricultural development. There is an imperative need to enhance agricultural and livestock productivity, profitability and sustainability coupled with quality to face the challenges of liberalisation. This requires a continuous flow of technology.  The new research paradigm will revolve around sustainability of biophysical resources, conservation of bio-diversity, strengthening of infrastructure, development of novel products of international standard and perfect bio-security measures to curb economically important diseases.  In this transformation process, the role of research institutions like the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University is very crucial.

An amount of Rs.4619.53 lakhs is proposed for Agricultural Research and Education for 2003-04  of which an amount of Rs. 2700 lakhs is proposed as grants to TNAU and Rs.1738 lakhs  for TANUVAS.  An amount of Rs.50 lakhs has been proposed for new schemes for TNAU and Rs.16.07 lakhs to TANUVAS during 2003-04.

Soil and Water Conservation

Soil and Water Conservation programmes are implemented with the main objective of preventing soil erosion and degradation of land due to rain or wind action and faulty cultivation practices, to provide for in situ water harvesting and conservation improving the productivity of land and utilising it profitably on a sustained basis. As watersheds support the entire dry land cultivation/horticulture and also remain the catchments for tanks and reservoirs, their health is essential for development.  Under Soil and water conservation in hills and plains and tribal areas, an extent of 82,043 ha. and 646 ha. were covered respectively during 2001-02 and an area of 50,000 ha. and 602 ha. will be covered during 2002-03. The target for 2003-04 is 50,000 ha. and 602 ha. For watershed development based on participatory and agri-clinical approach, an amount of Rs.25 crores is proposed for 2003-04.  The Centrally Sponsored National Watershed Development Programme for rain-fed areas will be implemented during 2003-04 at a cost of Rs.17.38 crores. The outlay for Soil and Water conservation schemes for 2003-04 under HADP is Rs.5.12 crores and that under WGDP Rs.4.22 crores.  Totally, an amount of Rs.5383.25 lakhs is proposed for 2003-04 for Soil and Water Conservation.

Animal Husbandry

Animal Husbandry plays a vital role in the development of Livestock for increasing the production potential of milk, meat and egg which are required for improving the standard of nutrition for the human beings apart from providing subsidiary income to them, particularly to the rural poor.  The   main objectives in this sector is to improve the productivity of livestock through well defined breeding policy resulting in genetic improvement, provision of nutritional care in the form of balanced feed and fodder and provide the much  needed health care for livestock and poultry.

According to the 1997 Livestock census, Tamil Nadu has a total livestock population of 26.15 million -  of these, cattle and buffaloes account for 12.08 million, sheep and goats 11.70 million and other animals such as pigs, horses, mules etc.  2.37  million. The poultry population reached 4 crores in the State. The per capita availability of milk in Tamil Nadu has increased from 185 gms per day in 1995-96 to 206 gms per day in 2002.   The percapita availability of eggs in the State has increased from 54 numbers during the year 1995-96 to 63  in 2002.

The estimated milk production in  the  State  during  the year 2001-02 and 2002-03 was 49.90 lakh tonnes and 51.00 lakh tonnes. The figures for eggs were 4223 million no. and 4600 million no. and those for meat 39.12 million kgs and 41 million kgs respectively. The target for 2003-04 is 51.00 lakh tonnes for milk, 4600 million number of eggs, and 41 million kgs of meat.

Under the ongoing Livestock Production scheme, 4,494 health camps were conducted in 2002-03. This programme will be continued in 2003-04 with an allocation of Rs.2.14 crores.

Under the DANIDA-assisted Livestock Development Project, 45 Panchayat Unions are being covered. In this project, link worker couples are trained along with selected farmers in various animal husbandry practices with the objective of getting all farmers to increase their income and for providing veterinary health care. It is proposed to replicate in 6 more districts. The assistance of veterinary science graduates will be enlisted in a self-employment scheme for expanding veterinary health care services in the State.

The Government of India has cleared the implementation of the National Programme for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding for the State at a cost of Rs.20 crores. This project aims at improving the quality of livestock and conservation and indigenous breeds. Tamil Nadu Livestock Development Agency has been set up to spearhead the implementation of this project.

Under Animal Husbandry Sector, totally an amount of Rs.804.89 lakhs is proposed for 2003-04.  It is proposed to upgrade 10 sub centres as veterinary dispensaries (Rs.31.50 lakhs), establish Turkey rearing unit (Rs.4.24 lakhs) and one mobile veterinary unit (Rs.1.37 lakhs) etc., during 2003-04. It is proposed to give a new thrust in 2003-04 to homestead farming that involves integrating agriculture with animal husbandry by providing initially Rs. 1 crore for this purpose.

Fisheries

The objective is to exploit fully the vast potential available in Marine and Inland Fisheries for augmenting fish production and to implement programmes for the welfare of the fisherfolk such as construction of houses, providing basic amenities, infrastructure facilities like Fishing Harbours, Landing Centres for hygienic fish handling etc.  Under Saving cum relief scheme, an amount of Rs.763.63 lakhs was spent during 2001-2002, and an amount of Rs.578.89 lakhs is expected to be spent during 2002-03.  An amount of   Rs.628.17 lakhs is proposed for the year 2003-04.

Under the Centrally Sponsored Shared Scheme of Model Fishermen Village Scheme for the year 2002-2003 proposals for construction of 4,000 houses, 180 tube wells and 10 community halls at a total cost of Rs.16.715 crores (State Rs.8.90 crores and Central share Rs.8.90 crores) were sent to Govt. of India.   Administrative approval for the above scheme has been received from Govt. of India. An amount of Rs.866 lakhs was spent during 2001-2002, and an amount of Rs.551.55 lakhs is expected to be spent during 2002-03.  An amount of   Rs.411.54 lakhs is proposed for the year 2003-04.

Proposals for construction of fishing harbour at Rameswaram at a cost of Rs.48.84 crores and a fishing harbour at Pazhayar Stage II at a cost of Rs.10.60 crores have been posed to the Govt. of India for funding. Construction of 10 fish landing centres at a total cost of Rs.13.23 crores has been approved and works have been commenced at six places.

The implementation of activities under Fisheries Development Mission with the objectives of increasing marine and inland fish production, preserving their bio-diversity and improving post-harvest storage and marketing will be intensified in 2003-04.

Totally, an amount of Rs.1554.36 lakhs is proposed for Fisheries sector for 2003-04 of which an amount of Rs. 651 lakhs is for construction of houses to fishermen and Rs.628 lakhs for relief schemes for marine fishermen during lean season. 

Forests

Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project is an externally aided project being implemented with   the involvement of local people from 1997-98. The cost of the project is Rs.130.20 crores. It is being funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Japan (JBIC). The objectives are ecological restoration of degraded forests and village development through Joint Forest Management.  A sum of Rs.80.46 crores is provided for 2003-04.

Under bio diversity conservation, 24 schemes are proposed for implementation during the year 2003-04 at a cost of Rs.980.06 lakhs. Some of the schemes are shared between State and Centre and some are 100% Centrally Sponsored schemes. Necessary provision has been made for such schemes. Through these schemes, it is proposed to undertake development measures in various wild life sanctuaries/  National Parks with financial assistance from GOI.

Under Nature conservation, maintenance of Mini Zoo is a major item. An amount of Rs.25 lakhs is proposed for 2003-04.

For improvement of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, an amount of Rs.194.34 lakhs is proposed.

Project Tiger is implemented in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli district with 100% central assistance for protection of tigers and maintenance of the sanctuary. The salary component of the staff is shared between State and Centre. It is proposed to implement the scheme at a cost of Rs.90 lakhs during 2003-04.

Project Elephant scheme is implemented in 10 districts covering more than 15 divisions on 100% Central assistance. An amount of Rs.1 lakh is proposed  for 2003-04.

The Nilgiris Biosphere is the oldest biosphere reserve of the country covering an area of 5526 sq.kms. spread over 3 States. Eco development works, protection and conservation of natural resources, education and awarness programme, data base management etc. are the main elements of the scheme. It is proposed to implement the scheme at a cost of Rs.10 lakhs during 2003-04.

Under the programme of development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, 5 main National Parks, viz. Indira Gandhi National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukuruthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Mannar Marine National Park will be taken up and works such as Eco Protection, Habitat improvement, Eco-Tourism and infrastructural development executed for an amount of Rs.70 lakhs during 2003-04. 

For the Forestry programmes an amount of Rs.13626 lakhs is proposed for the year 2003-04.

Rural Development

• To bridge the critical infrastructural gap in the Assembly Constituencies, Member of Legislative Assembly Constituency Development Scheme will continue in the year 2003-04. A sum of Rs. 240.88 crores has been proposed in Annual Plan 2003-04.

• To ensure privacy and improve general hygiene and health of rural women, Integrated Rural Sanitary Complex to provide toilets and facilities for bathing and washing exclusively for women under one roof  will  be   constructed in all the village panchayats. A sum of Rs. 104.42 crores has been proposed for the year 2003-04.

• The Total Sanitation Programme now operational in 16 districts will be extended to the remaining 12 districts in the State.

• A "Clean Village Campaign" has been launched and village-level solid waste disposal will be given special attention in 2003-04. An amount of Rs.75 lakhs for the Clean Village Campaign is proposed to reward the best villages.

• To provide the public an easy access to the offices of the Village Administrative office, buildings will be constructed adjacent to every panchayat office building. Outlay proposed for the scheme during 2003-04 will be Rs. 19.99 crores.

• To enable the farmers to get remunerative prices for their produce and to develop agro-based industries to boost the rural economy Village Fair Development Scheme will be implemented in the year 2003-04.  A sum of Rs. 1 crore has been proposed.

• To promote self reliance and self help among the rural people and to inculcate the community involvement and participatory approach in the development process, the scheme Thanniraivu Thittam will be continued, for which a sum of Rs. 20 crores has been proposed.

• To increase the holding capacity and availability of water for drinking, irrigation and other uses it has been proposed to desilt the small tanks, village ponds etc., for which a sum of Rs. 12.50 crores has been proposed.

• For the purpose of maintenance of civic services, primary school, primary health centre, safe drinking water, street lights, drainage and sanitation, public toilets, common property resources an amount of Rs.51.27 crores to Village Panchayats and Rs.41.95 crores to Panchayat Unions have been proposed as grants as per the recommendations of Eleventh Finance Commission.  In addition an amount of Rs.9 crores has also been proposed towards rejuvenation and augmentation of traditional sources under upgradation and special problem grant. 

• An outlay of Rs.5 crores has been proposed as a new scheme for comprehensive development of Dharmapuri district and an amount of Rs.15 crores has been proposed towards local body incentive scheme.

• Towards construction of new houses for the houseless families living below poverty line in the rural areas and towards upgradation of unserviceable kutcha houses for the SC/ST and non SC/ST people, an amount of Rs.17.50 crores has been proposed in the Annual Plan for 2003-04. For the improvement of kutcha houses in which it is not possible to dwell in, an amount of Rs.61 lakhs is proposed under Indira Awas Yojana scheme,

• The outlay proposed for implementation of Centrally sponsored individual beneficiary oriented and employment generation programme schemes are as follows; Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana Rs.25.13 crores, Swarna Jayanthi Gram Swarozgar Yojana Rs. 22.87 crores and Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana Rs.55.05 crores.

• Under the Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 2937 kilometers of rural roads will be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs.367.22 crores.

Major and Medium Irrigation

The State Government has approached the World Bank for financing the Water Resources Consoldiation Project-II with an outlay of Rs.2000 crores for basin based improvement of reservoirs, tanks and distribution systems.     The main aim is to improve the storage capacity of reservoirs and tanks and improve irrigation efficiency. The project will enhance agricultural production in about 6 lakhs hectares (about 50% of the State's surface irrigated area) directly benefiting some 40 lakhs farmers.  Irrigation will be put on a sustainable footing through rehabilitation and modernisation of the systems linked with farmer participation and upgraded maintenance and water management.  The WRCP-II provides for rehabilitation and modernisation of 16 irrigation systems and 25 Minor Schemes in Tamil Nadu (except those in Cauvery Basin).

As the sanction from the World Bank for this project is likely to take time, extension of WRCP-I by a year with an outlay of Rs.100 crores has been sought.

The policy of the State Government is to extend participatory irrigation management activities to more areas so as to consolidate the participatory activities of the water uses in taking decisions relating too management of irrigation sources. An amount of Rs. 10 crores is provided for 2003-04.

The "Second Madras Water Supply Project, New Veeranam” being taken up as a World Bank aided project is estimated to cost Rs. 150 crores. The project envisages providing irrigation facilities to an area of 56,034 acres of ayacut and supply of 180 Mld. of water to the Chennai city. An amount of Rs.10 crores is provided for 2003-04.

An outlay of Rs. 309.59 crores is proposed for Major and Medium Irrigation and Flood Control Programmes, as indicated below:

The break - up for Major and Medium projects is as follows:

                                                                                     Rs. in crores

Minor Irrigation

The World Bank aided Hydrology Project is intended to improve institutional and organizational arrangements, technical capabilities and infrastructure available for measurement, validation, collection, analysis, transfer and dissemination of hydrological, hydro-meteorological and water quality data to eligible users and planners. The Govt. has accorded administrative sanction for Rs.51.15 crores. An amount of Rs.2.65 crores is proposed for the year 2003-04.

The Special Minor Irrigation Programme contemplates formation of new tanks, construction of anicuts, excavation of link channels, restoration of abandoned tanks, formation of ponds and standardization of tanks etc. leading to assured irrigation and creating additional irrigation potential.  Desilting-cum-reclamation schemes contemplate desilting of tanks to restore the lost capacity due to siltation with reclamation of foreshore lands. An amount of Rs. 9.30 crores is proposed for 2003-04.

It is proposed to modernise Minor Irrigation Tanks in Tamil Nadu  with the loan assistance from NABARD RIDF-VII for enhancing the irrigation potential.   An amount of Rs.25 crores is proposed for desilting and upgradation of tanks with ayacut of more than 100 acres. The State Government launched a scheme in 1995-96 to provide for standardisation and improvements of ex-zamin tanks and PWD tanks. An amount of Rs.2 crores is proposed for this.

Command Area Development Programme (CADP) is being implemented in 12 command areas as a Centrally Sponsored and equally shared programme between the State and Government of India. So far, the programme has been completed in Lower Bhavani Project, Cumbum Valley Project, Periyar-Vaigai Project, Sathanur Reservoir Project and Amaravathy Reservoir Project. The remaining projects viz. Parambikulam Aliyar Project, Kothaiyar-Chittar Pattinamkal Project and Thambirabarani river Basin Projects have to be completed as per the schedule approved by Government of India. Government of India have recently approved three new schemes viz. Krishnagiri Reservoir Project, Thoppaiyar Project and Palar-Poranthalar Project under Command Area Development Programme. The Command Area Development Programme is implemented below the sluice outlets of the commands basically to ensure improved irrigated agriculture and the activities relate to irrigation facilities and its efficient utilisation through On Farm Development (OFD), Rotational Water Supply (RWS) and Farmers' Participation (PIM).

Reclamation of waterlogged areas, saline and alkaline will also be taken up by Agricultural Engineering Department under this programme.

Out of the total cultivable  command area of 10.97 lakh ha., an area of 8.74 lakh ha. has been covered with On Farm Development in 12 command areas of Tamil Nadu.

Participatory Irrigation Management - Participation of farmers play a major role in the execution of Command Area Development works and ensuring equitable distribution of irrigation water to each individual field at the right place with right quantity at right time as per water availability and requirements of crops. The Participatory approach is now being intensified and enlarged to achieve the transfer of responsibility of operation and maintenance to farmers' council for effective Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM). To achieve this, a 3-tier system is now adopted.

• Farmers' Association - at the sluice command

• Farmers' Council   - at distributory level

•  Farmers' Federation   - at project level

An amount of Rs. 50.13 crores (full cost) is proposed for the Command Area Development Programme in 2003-04 as indicated below:

Power

It is proposed to set up a 1000 MW Thermal Power Plant as a joint venture with NTPC in North Chennai area for which project report is under preparation at an estimated cost of Rs.4000 crores and another 1000 MW Plant at Tuticorin (coastal thermal power station) with Neyveli Lignite Corporation at an estimated cost of Rs.4000 crores.. Government will seek Centre's help for early establishment of the 2000 MW power station at Koodangulam and also for inclusion of 2000 MW of additional capacity at this site. All this would increase the generating capacity by more than 50% of the State's current installed capacity.

During 2003-04, the following schemes are programmed to be commissioned, viz., Amaravathy HEP - 4 Mw (Dec.2003); Valuthur GTPP (Perungulam GTPP) - 95 Mw; Kuttalam GTPP - 100 Mw (Oct.2003); Pykara Ultimate Stage HEP - 150 Mw (Unit I - 11/03, Unit II - 1/2004, Unit III - 3/2004) and Bhavani Kattalai Barrage - 30 Mw (Dec.2003). During 2003-04, it is proposed to establish 60 numbers of New Sub-stations and 800 ckt. of EHT lines apart from upgrading / uprating of sub-stations. Under Rural Electrification Programme, 40,000 Agricultural Services and 40,000 Hut Services are programmed to be connected. The goal is to achieve 100% electrification of all households along with the assurance of stable and quality energy supply by 2007. (The State had achieved 100% electrification of all the villages in 1992 as against all India's targe of 2007). During 2003-04, the Hydro Electric Schemes would contribute additional 84 MW and the GTPP schemes would contribute 100 MW to the grid.

The proposed outlay for the Power Development for the year 2003-04 is Rs. 1294.81 crores. This includes Rs.890.68 crores for Transmission and Distribution, Rs.200 crores for Renovation and Modernisation and Rs.190.13 crores for Rural Electrification.

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

The total installed capacity under Non-Conventional Energy Sources (NCES) in Tamil Nadu has reached 1090 MW as on 31.10.2002 which is 13% of the total TNEB grid capacity. The harnessing of Wing energy is the highest in Tamil Nadu with an installed capacity of 857 MW as against the all India level of 1612 MW. Under Biogas and biomass based power generation also, Tamil Nadu stands first in the Country with an installed capacity of 182 MW as against the all India level of 450 MW.

The outlay for Non Conventional Energy Sources for 2003-04 is proposed at Rs.4.31 crores.

Industries

Quality infrastructure facilitates industrial growth.  The ASIDE programme of the Government of India will be utilised to improve the infrastructure where export-oriented units are located.  The Industrial Infrastructure Development Programme of the Government of India will be utilised for development of other clusters such as leather, textiles, pumps and motors, automobiles components, machine tools, household appliances etc., for improving their productivity.

The formulation of the state's policy on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has paved the formation of SEZs at Tuticorin, Ennore and Chennai adjacent to the existing Ports.

Leather, textiles, automobile components, rubber and agro-processing have been identified as the thrust areas for rapid growth.  It is proposed to establish separate mission to take up accelerated development of these segments of the industry.  This will be done in partnership with the industry groups. 

Work will commence in 2003-04 to establish a Bio-Technology Park in collaboration with Cornell University.

An eco-enterprises park is being planned at Nilakottai in Dindigul district while a modern rubber park would come up at Nagercoil.

The Plan provides an outlay of Rs. 2.00 crores for technology   upgradation and modernisation of SSI units. Under this scheme, the Government will provide back ended interest subsidy in order to enable SSI units to upgrade their units and compete in the market. Likewise, for SSIs started under the National Equity Fund Scheme, back ended interest subsidy will be extended for which purpose the outlay proposed is Rs.1 crore.  For the tiny sector, a similar scheme will be launched for which the outlay proposed is Rs.25 lakhs.  Similarly, to enable SSI units to obtain ISO certification and engage in research and development initiatives, an outlay of Rs.25 lakhs is proposed.

For upgradation of Industrial Estates such as those at Guindy and Ambattur, the outlay proposed is Rs.6 crores for each of these Estates.  This will enable provision of quality infrastructure such as roads, lighting, sewerage, drainage etc., and restoration to their premier position. It is proposed to encourage new units to be established in these Estates.  The projects will be executed on a Public-Private Partnership model. A revenue sharing arrangement between the local body and SIDCO together with the Estates' Association will be worked out to facilitate the investment plan.

For revival of the textile industry, a separate Mission for the textile industry will be set up to  examine all aspects of the industry and undertake programmes to facilitate the revival of the industry. This would include the following initiatives:

• Focus on quality cotton production to improve availability and ensure backward integration of the industry.

• Establishment of a Textile Industrial Training Institute in association with SIMA, to focus on training programmes and techniques in modern upgraded production systems. This facility will also be used to retrain labour so that they can be absorbed again in the industry.

• Making arrangements with technical institutions to launch a retraining programme so that trained labour are available for the modernised industry.

• Encouraging entrepreneurs to go in for new technology based weaving capacity.

• Modernisation of the existing spinning capacity.

• Encouraging power loom complexes with shuttleless weaving looms.

• Establishing Apparel Parks  at Irungattukottai near Chennai and Tiruppur.

It is proposed to implement in 2003-2004 a major scheme to modernize the production processes employed by the handloom  weavers and shift them to better value added products with an outlay of Rs.83 crores for marketing incentives and handloom rebate.

During 2003-04, it is proposed to provide Rs.10.15 crores for capital subsidy for new SSI units under the new Anna Marumalarchi Thittam. Under this programme, so far 320 proposals covering 220 blocks with a project cost of Rs.267 crores are under process and sanctions for 33 units with an outlay of Rs.23.14 crores have been accorded.

TIDCO is engaged in identifying and promoting Medium and Large Scale Industrial projects in the State in partnership with private sector. It has promoted projects in field like Iron and Steel, Pharmaceuticals, Fertiliser and chemicals, automobile, floriculture etc. as public sector, joint sector, associate sector, escort sector and projects on BOT / BOOT basis besides funding assistance etc.

SIPCOT is engaged in developing marketing and maintaining Industrial Complexes, implementing infrastructure development schemes.  For setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to Small Scale Dyeing factories at Salem, SIPCOT has taken up a project under Critical Infrastructure Balance Scheme at a cost of Rs.190 lakhs with the assistance of Government of India.

Public Sector units are expected to finance their projects from their own sources.  However a sum of Rs.50 crores is provided to TIDCO from outside budgetary resources for investment in  their projects.

Information Technology

The State Government is committed to making Chennai the hub of the knowledge in Industry in the entire South Asia region and with a aim to reposition Chennai as the City premier in South India, as a gateway to South East Asia and the best Metropolis destination for investments in Asia.

The State's new IT Policy launched on 19.9.2002 covers comprehensively   measures  to facilitate the growth of the IT industry. The new IT policy aims to establish the State as Destination of Choice, upgrade e-governance/IT applications in Government, empower the people in rural areas so as to bridge digital divide and promotion of use of Tamil in Information Technology.

The Chennai Metropolitan Area will be developed as a destination of choice for Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES).  This would include Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) ventures.

It is proposed to set up special purpose vehicle to develop and promote Tier-II cities of Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy and Tirunelveli for IT and IT enabled investment.

An IT Park is being developed at Siruseri near Chennai. The highway between Madhya Kailash on the Sardar Patel Road (Gandhi Mandapam) to the East Coast Road will be developed as an Express way by  constituting  a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called IT Expressway Limited (ITEL), to undertake the  implementation of this 6 lane expressway project to international standards at a total cost of Rs.70 crores. This project will be taken up in  2003-04 by the Tamil Nadu Road Development Corporation (TNRDC) on a public private partnership model. This major initiative will ensure the rapid development of this IT corridor.

It is proposed in  to develop a Knowledge Industry Township as part of this IT Corridor partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) will shortly go ahead with M/s. Ascendas of Singapore to establish the Second Information Technology Park  for locating BPO and ITES ventures close to the existing TIDEL Park. This will be taken up in an extent of 15 acres and will create 1.5 million sq.ft. of built up space in three phases. It is proposed to create adequate high quality housing in this area as an adjunct to the IT Park at Siruseri.

Roads,  Bridges and Ports

The Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project will be taken up for implementation with World Bank assistance at a cost of Rs.2118 crores. This project would complete the East Coast Highway from Nagapattinam to Tuticorin, the state highway from Arcot to Thiruvarur and 14 crucial bye-passes to ease transportation bottlenecks around major towns.  An outlay of Rs.271.72 crores is proposed for 2003-04.

• 1500 kms of single lane, 378 kms. of Intermediary lane, 3940 kms. of double lane and 134 kms of multilane of State Highways roads are having traffic intensity more than 10,000 PCU / per day.  It is also assessed that 1000 Kms of MDR are having a traffic intensity of 5000 - 10000 PCUs/per day.  The above stretches will be taken up for improvement.

• Delta District Road bridges - Out of 122 bridge works, 3 works have been completed, 86 works are in progress. Out of 40 road works, 26 works are in progress.

•  Under Rural Roads programme with loan assistance from NABARD for 2003-04, 160 villages with population of 500 - 1000 will be given connectivity at a cost of Rs.80 crores. Also an amount of Rs.120 crores is provided for the improvement of District and other roads with loan assistance from NABARD.

New viability gap funding model announced by the Union Finance inister in his Budget speech for the year 2003-2004 for accelerated development of National Highways throughout the country will be adopted for public - private partnership in road development. It will basically  involve the utilisation of private capital in road development in association with Government funding support for the viability gap with minimum toll charges. The development of several State Highways and major district roads will be taken up on these  lines.

Under the  Chief Minister's Highway Development Programme, about 1800 Kms. of State highways and Major District Roads will be taken up under an accelerated development programme and completed in a period of 3 years. The plan is to identify individual sectors and upgrade these roads to a minimum of double lane with paved shoulders together with special services such as accident and trauma services, highway patrolling etc. The estimated cost of this project is Rs.1500 crores. The Government will provide capital support to the extent needed and the balance will be through private sector participation. The Government support will be given as viability gap funding on the model evolved by the Government of India.

The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has worked out development plans for the Cuddalore and Nagapattinam minor ports. The Nagapattinam Port has recently been expanded by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited at a project cost of Rs.100 crores. This facilitates the arrival of 0.5 million tonnes of crude oil. Development of Cuddalore Port at a cost of Rs.250 crores is being worked out under the public-private partnership model.

The operations of the Chennai Port need to be completely modernised

in the context of the  export led growth strategy. The Government of India will be urged to expeditiously take up the modernisation of the Chennai Port. The Government of India has also to commence the work on Sethu Samudhram Project.

Ecology & Environment

The goals/ objectives of the State Government are as follows:

• Protection of environment and reduction of waste at source, besides continuing environment and monitoring activities, emphasizing environmentally safe waste disposal options viz. composting of all organic wastes, common facilities for bio-medical waste, etc. and properly treating or converting the pollutants into useful products and thereby reducing their negative impact.

• Conservation and enhancement of life support systems like water, land, forest, bio-diversity, ocean and atmosphere giving ecological security.

•  Promotion of suitable measures and technologies for recycling / reusing.

The Department of Environment has been implementing the 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme, 'Abatement of Pollution in five stretches of Cauvery river in Tamil Nadu' at an overall project cost of Rs.38.20 crores since 1996-97 and the project period is ten years.  Under the Non-Core scheme, about 95% of works in respect of construction of Low Cost Sanitation facility, River Front Development (RFD), bathing ghats and wood based crematoria (WBC) have been completed. Under the Core scheme, interception and diversion of sewage treatment works are being implemented by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board in Erode, Komarapalayam, Pallipalayam  and Trichy towns and works along tourist stretches in Tiruchy. Over 90% of interception and diversion works in Komarapalayam and Erode have been completed and other works are under progress.

The other major programmes / projects are:

• Chennai City River Conservation Project - the work is progressing in 11 out of 16 packages viz., Cooum, Buckingham Canal, Adyar, Otteri Nullah, Captain Cook's canal and Mambalam Channel.

• National River Conservation Plan - New Integrated schemes for cleaning of Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamiraparani along with seven towns viz. Tiruchi, Karur, Madurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli and Mayiladurai with the assistance of National River Conservation Directorate (GOI) have been taken up at a cost of Rs.573.30 crores. The components of the project are construction of underground sewage system, sewage treatment plant, low cost sanitation and solid waste management.

• National Lake Conservation Programme at Udhagamandalam and Kodaikanal.

• Palar River Conservation at Ambur

• As part of National Green Corps to create environmental awareness among school and college students, 1260 eco-clubs have been formed by the Department of Environment involving educational institutions and NGOs.

For the year 2003-04, an amount of Rs.97.41 lakhs is proposed.

General Education

School Education

• In order to ensure access to education to all, elementary and middle schools were opened. Education Guarantee Scheme Centres were also opened to cover small habitations where the number of school going children is below 15. This policy of reaching out to those who cannot access the school system will ensure complete coverage and the goal of a school  within the reach of every hamlet and habitation would be achieved in 2003-04.

• Similarly, in regard to Secondary education, 30 new High schools and another 30 Higher secondary schools will be opened in 2003-04.

• In order to transform the State into a knowldge driven and digitally literate society, computer education will be made compulsory for all students in schools. It is proposed to cover 200 of the Higher secondary schools under the computerisation programme in 2003-04. A sum of Rs.33.92 crores has been proposed during 2003-04 for this purpose.

• Science equipment will be provided to 50 High schools and 75 Higher secondary schools in 2003-04.

• Free set of uniforms are supplied to all students covered under C.M's Nutritious Noon Meal Programme.  The amount proposed is Rs.31.30 crores for 2003-04.

• It is proposed to construct school buildings for High and Higher Secondary Schools and to provide facilities like safe drinking water, toilets and other sanitary facilities with loan assistance from NABARD under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund with a total outlay of Rs.22.86 crores.

• Students studying in Standards I to V  in all recognised schools and those who taking Noon Meals in Standards VI to VIII  are supplied with free text books.  The amount proposed for this scheme during 2003-04 is Rs.17.56 crores. 

• To further the goals of universalisation of primary education, construction of buildings and provision of basic amenities like toilets, drinking water and additional class rooms for primary schools under PMGY  are proposed.  A sum of Rs.13.14 crores has been proposed under this scheme.

• SC/ST  pupils  will be supplied  with free uniform sets under Special Component Plan.  The amount proposed for 2003-04 is Rs.10.21 crores and the beneficiaries targeted are about 8.93 lakhs.

• SC/ST students studying in Primary and Middle Schools will be supplied  with free text books under Special Component Plan and the amount proposed is Rs.7.75 crores. Total number of beneficiaries targetted is about 11.48 lakhs.

• To redress the grievances of students who did their Secondary Grade Teacher Training Courses in un-recognised Teachers Training  Institutes across the State, the State Govt. has proposed to provide retraining facilities in the various DIETS in a phased manner. The amount proposed for this scheme is Rs.4.43 crores.

• XI Finance Commission has approved certain schemes to improve  infrastructure facilities like provision of drinking water, construction of school buildings, improvement in sanitary conditions, electrification etc. in the elementary schools.   This will be implemented by DRDA at a proposed amount of Rs.3.41 crores.

• To induce pupils in the age group of 11-14 to continue their studies, 30 Govt./ Panchayat Union/ Municipal/ Corporation Middle Schools are proposed to be upgraded as High Schools.  The amount proposed for this is Rs.1.81 crores during 2003-04.

• As a good knowledge of English language is a must for securing employment in the sunrise sectors, English language teaching labs. will be established in 300 High schools and Higher secondary schools in 2003-04. The outlay proposed is Rs.1.69 crores for 2003-04.

Higher Education

• Financial Assistance is provided to Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre  Society to establish a  Regional Science Centre including a Planetarium at Coimbatore and a District Science Centre at  Vellore.  The Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre  Society is provided with a sum of Rs.1.08 crores towards salary of staff and other maintenance expenditure for 2003-04.

• Towards expansion and development of Polytechnics and modernisation of laboratories, construction of buildings is proposed at a proposed amount of Rs.1 crore. 

Tourism

Tourism generates innumerable benefits, both in social and economic spheres. Today Tourism is widely acclaimed as an important global industry offering immense employment opportunities, both direct and indirect. It earns the much-needed foreign exchange.

For promotion of Tourism, proper public infrastructure and basic amenities have to be provided at tourist spots and centres. The outlay for basic amenities in tourist centres is proposed at Rs.4.50 crores. Preparation of Master Plans for identified tourist destinations/circuits has to be undertaken (Rs.25 lakhs).   For publicity, organising of Tamil Nadu Travel Marts are  proposed.  The total amount proposed for promotion and publicity of Tourism is  Rs.11.60 crores. 

Health and Family Welfare

The objective of the Government is to improve the Health status of the people by enhancing their access to health care facilities at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

• So far 58 PHCs have been taken up for upgradation. It is proposed to upgrade 34 more PHCs. For the upgradation of PHCs under NABARD, a sum of Rs.5.10 crores is proposed.

• In order to improve the medical and health care services, 35 block PHCs will be upgraded with provision of beds, operation theatres, lab facilities, equipments and increased manpower under PMGY and a sum of Rs.9.96 crores is proposed.

• A provision of Rs.8.00 crores will be made for the  construction of buildings for HSCs and PHCs under PMGY.

• The scheme for construction of tower blocks I and II and modern kitchen for Government General Hospital, Chennai was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs.104.47 crores comprising a loan of Rs.100.86 crores from HUDCO and Rs.3.61 crores as Government contribution.  The works are being carried out through Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation.  For the repayment of loan/ interest to HUDCO, a sum of Rs.24.69 crores is proposed.

• With a view to providing skilled treatment in remote and rural areas, mobile health and speciality camps will be conducted under PMGY with a provision of Rs.3.54 crores.

• Keeping in view the need for continuing Maternal and Child Health Care in urban areas, health posts sanctioned under IPP-V Project in Chennai  Corporation, other  Corporations  and Municipalities as well as the supply of medicines will be continued with a provision of Rs.10.20 crores.

• A provision of Rs.9.09 crores will be made towards maintenance and construction of dispensary buildings for PHCs.

• For the functioning of PHCs in  tribal areas, a  sum of Rs.1.44 crores is proposed.

• The activities under filaria control programme viz., functioning of 25 control units, 44 night clinics, one survey unit at Dindigul and mass DEC administration to people will be continued with a provision of Rs.4.78 crores under State scheme.

• For Malaria Control Programme, a sum of Rs.16.86 crores is proposed as State share.

• For the supply of equipments to teaching hospitals, a sum of Rs.4.19 crores is proposed.

• For the improvements to medical colleges as per MCI requirements, a sum of Rs.1.91 crores is proposed.

• For the functioning of existing siddha wings in districts, taluk and non taluk hospitals, medical college hospitals and dispensaries, an allocation of Rs.4.48 crores will be made.  Besides, a sum of Rs.1.54 crores is proposed for starting of new siddha wings in 25 PHCs and for the functioning of existing siddha wings in 20 PHCs.

• For the functioning of postgraduate departments in certain specialities in Siddha Medical Colleges and microbiology lab with diagnostic facilities for AIDS at Govt. Siddha Medical College, Chennai, a sum of Rs.1.09 crores is proposed.

• The Government of India have agreed for the establishment of National Institute of Siddha at Tambaram, Chennai at a total cost of Rs.47.00 crores spread over a period of 6 years from 2001.  The  cost will be shared between Centre and State.  The Institute will provide facilities for research and higher studies and help in securing global recognition for Siddha system.  A sum of Rs.6 crores is proposed as State’s share.

• Model dental health programme will be implemented in four districts at a cost of Rs.0.40 crore.

• For provision of facilities such as furniture, cots, mattresses, linen, etc., to  all district headquarters’ hospitals and taluk headquarters’ hospitals, and 20 non taluk hospitals, a sum of Rs.1.00 crore is proposed.

• For the provision of infrastructural facilities such as buildings, generators, wards, bed strength, operation theatres, ceiling fans, lift, OP block, air conditioners, telephones, X- ray block and plant, outpatient facility, computers etc., a sum of Rs.1.62 crores is proposed.

• For construction of new buildings to accommodate labour ward cum antenatal ward cum emergency operation theatre at IOG and Government Hospital for Women and Children, Chennai, a sum of Rs.0.50 crore is proposed.

• Under family welfare, obstetric and new born care services will be improved for which the provision is Rs.0.25 crore.

Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes

The welfare needs of particular social groups need special attention. Programmes catering specifically to these groups will be implemented/continue to be implemented to enable them to participate in the main stream development process.

• The outlay for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for 2003-04 would be Rs.439.05 crores.

• An amount of Rs.43.78 crores is proposed for the construction of 150 new hostel buildings for Adi-dravidar students. 

• An amount of Rs.3.39 crores will be  allocated for the maintenance of Adi-dravidar hostels.

• In order to encourage girl students for pursuing higher studies, free bicycles are being supplied to all girl students belonging to SC/ ST/ SCCs studying in XI standard in the Government/ Government aided higher secondary schools and the scheme will be continued with  an outlay of Rs.7.49 crores.

• In order to avoid dropouts and to encourage the enrolment of scheduled caste girls, special incentive amounting to Rs.500/- per annum each to 60000 SC girls studying in III to V Stds., in the educationally backward districts and Rs.1000/- per annum each to 30000 SC girls studying in VI Std., will be given with a provision of Rs.3.00 crores each.

• House sites as well as infrastructural facilities will be provided to Adi-dravidars at an outlay of Rs.8.11 crores.

• Adi-dravidar middle schools will  be upgraded  into high schools with an amount of Rs.1.67 crores. 

• An amount of Rs.1.04 crores is proposed for the provision of pathways and burial grounds.

• The poverty allevialtion action plan for TAHDCO will cover 1.59 lakh beneficiaries in 2003-04.  This will open up avenues for self employment for people below the poverty line amongst SC, ST communities.

• For the welfare of BCs, MBCs, Minorities and Denotified Communities, 100 new Hostel buildings are proposed to be built at a cost of Rs.31.50 crores. An amount of Rs.22.55 crores is proposed for the maintenance of hostels belonging to Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities.

• Free education upto degree level is being given to Backward Classes/ Most Backward  Classes/ Denotified communities, and the scheme will be continued with an amount of Rs.8.41 crores and Rs.8.01 crores respectively.

• Backward class students whose parental annual income is less than Rs.50,000 and who hail from non graduate families will get reimbursement of tuition fees for their studies in English medium for which purpose the allocation is Rs.1.22 crores. 

• Free education for polytechnic diploma courses is being provided to the first generation  BC and MBC students and  an amount of Rs. 1.31 crores and Rs. 0.76 crore respectively is proposed for this purpose.

• Free education up to professional courses is being extended to the BC and MBC/ DNC students and an amount of Rs. 1.49 crores and Rs. 1.59 crores respectively is proposed.

• House sites as well as infrastructural facilities will be provided to all communities of Backward classes who live in villages below poverty line at an outlay of Rs.1.40 crores.

• To reduce dropouts among rural MBC/ DNC girl students studying in III to VI standards and to encourage their enrolment in rural schools,  an amount of Rs.3 crores is proposed towards rewards as incentives.

• Educational concessions viz., prematric and postmatric scholarships are being given to BC and MBC students and an allocation of Rs.12.82 crores and Rs.7.19 crores respectively will be made for this scheme.

Water Supply & Sanitation

The Second Chennai Water Supply project was been taken up for implementation in 1995 at a revised cost of Rs.778 crores with a World Bank Loan assistance of U.S.$ 86 Million. The scheduled date of completion of the project was June, 2002- the World Bank has granted extension of time till March, 2004. The Project aims at improving the water supply distribution system in Chennai City. Certain emergent works at Chennai city were taken up with retro-active funding in 1995 and completed for distribution of 3 TMC of Krishna Water in Chennai City. Most of the major works have been completed and the remaining work will be taken up during the year 2003-04. An amount of Rs. 5.90 Crores has been proposed for 2003-04.

Chennai Water Supply  Augmentation  Project I enables the drawal of water from Veeranam Lake and distribution of about 180 Million litres daily of treated water to the City. The Project will be executed within two years. The estimated cost of the project is Rs.720 crores and it is to be funded partly by the Government and partly by financial institutions. To prevent rain water running off into the sea, construction of check dams, reservoirs, tanks, etc., are proposed to store surplus water in Kortalaiyar, Coovum, Adayar and Palar rivers. An amount of Rs.50 crores is proposed for this project. The Chennai water Supply Augmentation Project-II aims at the construction of check dams. The project is estimated to cost around Rs.493 crores.  The PWD will prepare a detailed project for various components. In regard to deepening and de-silting of lakes, the PWD has taken up the de-silting of Ambattur,  Korattur, and Madhavaram lakes. An amount of Rs. 5 crores has been proposed for the year 2003-04.

Urban Water Supply Programme

A massive water supply project for Tirupur Municipality and all wayside villages at a cost of Rs.1026 crores has been launched. This is a unique model of Public-Private Partnership. The financial closure of the project has been achieved and disbursement of loans by the lending institutions will be commenced by the end of March 2003. The provision for 2003-04 will be Rs. 40.17 crores as grants.

During the year 2003-2004, spill over works for 62 Urban Towns will be continued apart from taking Water Supply Improvements scheme for 25 Towns which fall under the category of having average and poor water supply status.  Schemes for 40 Towns will be completed and commissioned.  Out of this, assistance from Government of India will be sought  under Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme for 8 Towns. An amount of Rs. 11 crores has been proposed for the year 2003-04.

Rural Water Supply

A new survey of the status of rural drinking water supply in the State, as on 1.4.2002, shows that out of the total of 80,421 habitations, 28,623 habitations have an assured supply of drinking water and 51,294 habitations are only partially covered. 504 habitations are uncovered. Out of these 504 habitations, 465 habitations have been provided with assured water supply in 2002-03 and the remaining 39 habitations will be covered in 2003-04.

The new Swajadhara Programme introduced by the GOI in December 2002 for providing drinking water facilitiy will  be implemented in 2003-04.

The outlay for Rural Water Supply is  Rs.274 crores under Minimum Needs Programme, Rs.137 crores under SCP and Rs.15 crores under PMGY for 2003-04.

Housing & Urban Development

TNSCB has identified that 75632 families are living in objectionable locations in Chennai.  A similar situation prevails in the other two Mega cities viz., Madurai & Coimbatore.  These families ought to be re-settled in alternative places in shelter units.  TNSCB has programmed to construct 2116 shelter units to resettle the slum families living in objectionable areas in Chennai,  Madurai & Coimabtore at a total cost of Rs.20 crores during 2003-04 with the special problem grant allotted by the Eleventh Finance Commission.

A comprehensive programme for resettlement of 3000 slum houses on river banks in Chennai has already been taken up. It should be completed in 2003-04. An additional 8164 tenements will be built to resettle the remaining families living on river banks.

TNSCB has programmed to construct 5000 houses at a total cost of Rs.20 crores in urban slums during 2003-04 under Valmiki Ambedkar Malin Basti Awaas Yojana (VAMBAY) - construction of RCC roof houses in urban slums.

The execution of the MRTS - Phase II project is in progress and it has been planned to commission it by September 2003. 

Under the Integrated development of small and medium town programme, it is proposed to provide and improve the infrastructural facility for the small and medium towns having a population upto 5 lakhs with GOI assistance. An amount of Rs.1374.73 lakhs have been  proposed for 2003-04.

Under Urban Wage Employment Programme, funds are released to urban local bodies to provide basic amenities on whole town basis by utilising the services of the people living below poverty line and to improve the living standard of poorest of the poor.  An amount of Rs. 1.71 crores is proposed for the year 2003-04.

Infrastructure Investment Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area involves an outlay of Rs.18,000 crores over a period of 10 years. In the Medium Term, that is within a period of 5 years, the investment level required is about Rs.10,000 crores. Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) to develop the infrastructure funding plan.

Social Welfare

• Tamil Nadu Women Development Project (Mahalir Thittam) launched in 1996-97 has covered the entire State with the formation of 1.22 lakh SHGs benefitting 20.84 lakh women.  For this scheme, an amount of Rs.22.50 crores is proposed. Besides, an amount of Rs.0.88 crore is proposed for the formation of 25000 SHGs in 2003-04 with enrolment of another 5 lakh women.

• Aids and appliances such as tricycles, hearing aids, goggles, folding sticks, braille watches and solar batteries will be supplied free of cost to the physically handicapped persons with a provision of Rs.1.09 crores.

• Maintenance allowance of Rs.150 p.m. will be given to 8400 severely disabled persons for which a sum of Rs.1.38  crores is proposed.

• The Cradle Baby Scheme will be continued in 2003-04. Another innovative and successful scheme, the revised Girl Child Protection Scheme, to eradicate female infanticide, will be implemented during 2003-04 with a provision of Rs.20.17 crores including the requirement of Rs.6.17 crores to clear the applications pending under the old scheme.

• Financial assistance is being given to daughters of poor widows, orphan girls, widow remarriage and inter caste marriage through various marriage assistance schemes.  These schemes will be continued with a total provision of Rs.4 crores.

• With a view to increase the self-employment potential and to have a decent living, sewing machines are being supplied  free of cost to widows, deserted wives and destitute women below poverty line and the scheme will be continued with a provision of Rs.1 crore.

• Vocational training and skill upgradation for women will be imparted with an outlay of Rs.1 crore.

• For payment of premium to LIC under powerloom workers Insurance scheme, an outlay  of Rs.127.10 crores is proposed.

• One dhoti or one saree is being given free of cost to male or female pensioners respectively twice a year during Pongal and Deepavali festivals under the scheme of "supply of dhoties/ sarees to old age pensioners”. For this scheme, an amount of Rs.16.80 crores is proposed.

• Under Annapoorna scheme, the destitutes/ senior citizens covered under National Old Age Pension scheme are being supplied 10 kgs. of rice per month free of cost.  An outlay of Rs.7.54 crores  is proposed under State scheme.

• An amount of Rs.18.04 crores is proposed for widows, handicapped and old age pensioners' free ration scheme.

• For eradication of poverty and empowerment of women, “total economic development project for Theni district” will be implemented encompassing Entrepreneur Development Programme (EDP), Vocational Training Programme  (VTP), and skill upgradation  through convergence of various Govt. Departments.  An outlay of Rs.0.55 crore is proposed for this project.

Nutrition

• The package of services delivered through  Anganwadi centres under ICDS III viz., growth monitoring of children, supplementary nutrition, early childhood  care and pre school education, nutrition and health education, training, health services to target groups  for pregnant and nursing care will be continued with a provision of Rs.114.32 crores.

• For supplementary Nutrition under general ICDS scheme, a sum of Rs.13.75 crores is proposed.

• UDISHA training including orientation training to Anganwadi helpers, disability management training, capacity building of inter-sectoral teams, gender sensitization training and IEC activities will be imparted at an outlay of Rs. 7.21 crores.

• For ensuring proper targetting and also for improving the services of the PTMGR Nutritious Meal Programme, activities such as repairs to noon meal centres, upgradation of child welfare centres with a provision of baby friendly and safe drinking water facilities, supply of  stainless steel plates, tumblers and measuring cups as a measure  of hygiene  and provision of weights and measures to the Noon Meal Centres will be  undertaken with a provision of Rs.13.10 crores.

• PTMGR NMP provides midday meals to poor children in the age group of 2+ to 14+, studying in denotified community schools, Government and aided schools, corporation and municipal corporation schools, old age pensioners, ex-servicemen and widows of ex-servicemen and pregnant women through various PTMGR NMP schemes for which a total outlay of Rs.372.42 crores is proposed.

• A sum of Rs.25.00 crores is proposed towards assistance for nutrition under PMGY.

STATEMENT - I

Annual Plan 2003-2004: Proposed Outlay

                                                  (Rs. in lakhs)

Crop Husbandry

Fisheries

* This includes grants under Article 275(1) for Tribal Areas - Rupess 210 lakhs.