Jaipur: The Planning Commission has sanctioned over Rs.116 billion to Rajasthan as annual plan outlay for the year 2007-08, the largest ever for the state. 

 The outlay was sanctioned at a meeting between Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in New Delhi on Monday. 

At the meeting, Raje also proposed Rs.684 billion for the state's 11th five year plan (FYP), which is more than double the 10th five year plan outlay of Rs.318 billion.

Expressing her happiness over increase in the annual plan size, Raje said it would accelerate the state's development. "The 10th plan (2002-07) target of Rs.318 billion was not only achieved but also exceeded, even though just two years back, it seemed impossible," she said.

 Raje stated that in the 11th FYP utmost priority had been given to the power sector. "An amount of Rs.250 billion, around 36 percent of the plan, would be devoted to the sector. This proposal has been made with the aim of making Rajasthan a power surplus state by 2011," Raje said. 

 The social and community services are also a priority, with 28 percent being devoted to the sector.

 An outlay of over Rs.120 billion has been proposed for water, said Raje, as compared to less than the Rs.50 billion in the 10th plan period.

 Raje submitted a memorandum to the central government for seeking financial assistance from the National Calamity & Contingency Fund (NCCF) of Rs.32 billion.