New Delhi: The Planning Commission fixed the annual plan outlay of Tamil Nadu for 2008-09 at Rs 16,000 crore, up from Rs 14,000 crore in the current fiscal.

The plan size was agreed at a meeting here between Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister K Anbazhagan, a release issued by the Tamil Nadu government said tonight.

"The National Development Council had approved an outlay of Rs 85,344 crore under the XIth five year plan. Keeping in mind the current financial situation, the outlay was seconded at Rs 15,500 crore," the release said.

The Commission agreed for a plan size of about Rs 16,000 crore for next financial, it said.

During the meeting with Ahluwalia, Anbazhagan demanded more funds for carrying out projects under the Centre's Bharat Nirman Scheme.

The state's annual plan for 2008-09 will focus on revitalising agriculture sector and improving the quality of life of urban and rural population by providing essential social and economic infrastructure.

The State government requested the Commission to approve the Vilupuram-Dindugul broadgauge railway line into two-way line, the release said, adding it also requested the Centre to fund the Metro Rail project to be implemented in the metropolis.

"The planning commission deputy chairman expressed happiness over the state's performance in implementing the Centre's project," the release said, adding he also lauded the government in attracting investments from both national and international firms.

Source : PTI