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| Statistical inputs imperative for better planning: FM | | |
Early Times report
Jammu, Apr 15- Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather has said that statistical database and inputs of Economics and Statistics Department are imperative for better planning in the State. Without statistical data at the grassroots level, planning for any project cannot yield the desired results, adding, “Statistics are the edifice on which successful plans are built.”
Rather was speaking after inaugurating computer laboratory of Statistical Training Institute, here, constructed at a cost of Rs. 22.75 lakhs.
Referring the people-friendly initiative of former Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1975-76 when he decentralized planning and development to district-level, Rather said planning is being further decentralized to the level of blocks and panchayats for widening the ambit of people’s participation in development. He said without the technical support of the Economics and Statistics Department, plan formulators are handicapped in formulating new schemes for the people of the State, adding that strengthening the department at every level is necessary for economic prosperity of the State.
Recalling his tenure as Leader of the Opposition in the last Assembly, Rather said the departmental publications had helped him tremendously in making his arguments effective during general discussion on the Budget. He said the survey reports on different areas by the Department are useful components for plan formulation.
Appreciating the initiative of the Director General Economics and Statistics, Rather said that strengthening the statistical database is necessary for analyzing the economic growth and measuring the development performance of any State. He assured that the government will provide all support and assistance for expanding the statistical database within the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Financial Commissioner, Planning and Development, S. L. Bhat asked the officers of the Department to put their technical expertise to use in a better way for effective planning in the State. He said the need of the hour is to use statistical database in the manner that the benefits of schemes percolate to the people who genuinely require them. He said comprehensive reforms in the planning process in J&K are in the pipeline, adding the officers would be given managerial training in national institutions at Kolkata and Banguluru to gain knowledge about latest planning methodologies and data collection. He said thrust is being laid on chalking out plans for optimum utilization of natural resources like water, land and forest wealth for accelerating development in the State.
Director General, Economics and Statistics, G. A. Qureshi, in his introductory speech, gave an elaborate account of the activity profile of the Department. He mentioned that new initiatives by the Directorate regarding pre-budget survey, launching of developmental journal on quarterly-basis and preparation of Village Amenity Directory for all the villages and urban wards of the State have been taken up.
Qureshi said for the first time, Block-Statistical Handbook 2008-09 for all the 142 blocks have been brought out by the Department and is likely to be released shortly thereby creating sound database for block-level planning. For strengthening statistical system in the State, he said there is a need for coordination and technical directions at the Apex level in this regard. He also suggested adoption of National Statistical Pattern for the State on the recommendations of National Statistical Council and Conferences of Planning Ministers. He also advocated constitution of State Statistical Advisory Committee for overseeing the functioning of the statistical machinery in the State.
Earlier, the Minister released “NSDP Report 2007-08”, “Quarterly Development Journal (English) December 2008” and BPL survey report 2008” brought out by the Department.
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