New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Bihar government was Wednesday sanctioned the annual plan package of Rs.130 billion to accelerate the development works in the state.

The 2008-09 plan outlay was finalised during a meeting between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia here.

Nitish Kumar had sought the annual plan package of Rs.138 billion for the 2008-09 developmental plan.

Ahluwalia, however, agreed to give special assistance to the tune of Rs.5 billion based on the mid-year performance appraisal of the state.

He complimented the chief minister for initiatives towards administrative reforms, decentralization and simplification of procedures, delegation of powers and focused attention towards implementation of the centre's flagship programmes.

Nitish Kumar said the special plan has been formulated to bring about improvement in sectors like power, road connectivity, irrigation, and forestry and watershed development projects.

"Social sector is being given top priority. Next year, 31 percent of the development funds would be earmarked for this sector. Irrigation and flood control will also get focused attention with over 13 percent and 10.93 percent allocations," Nitish Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

(IANS)