8 p.c. growth rate achievable: Pant

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 11. The Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr. K.C. Pant, today said that the growth rate target of eight per cent projected in the tenth five-year plan beginning next year could be achieved with harsh economic measures and political will.

``Had we thought the target was unachievable we would not have put it in the approach paper in the first place,'' he said to a question while addressing the media on the completion of one year of the setting up of the National Population Commission.

He said the approach paper for the tenth plan was being circulated to the States and various Ministries to seek their views, after which it would be discussed in the National Development Council.

Mr. Pant claimed the National Population Commission, with the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, as its chairman, ``has done the spadework in its first year of existence.'' Mr. Pant is the Vice-Chairman of the Commission with more than 100 eminent people as its members.

Mr. Pant said, ``the basic work has been done (to achieve population stabalisation) and the momentum has been built up. Now we can move faster.''

Among the achievements of the Commission was the identification of the demographically sensitive districts based on 14 parameters including health, education, nutrition and so on, the conference of District Magistrates on the demographically weak districts and a special Rs. 17 crores central assistance for the most backward districts.

He said over two dozen District Magistrates had sent in their Action Plans to the Commission and sought its expertise for implementation. Today the Task Force met to discuss monitoring.

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