Govt likely to approve 12th Plan Approach Paper on Sept 15

The Union Cabinet is likely to discuss and approve the 'Approach' document to the 12th Plan (2012-17) tomorrow, which envisages 9% annual economic growth in the five-year period, up from 8.2% estimated in the current Plan.

"The Union Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the Approach Paper to the 12th Plan tomorrow", a source privy to the development said.

The Approach Paper, which provides a broad framework of the government policy to be pursued in the five-year period to achieve the desired growth rate, was approved by the full Planning Commission headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 20.

After the document is approved by the Union Cabinet, it will be placed before the National Development Council (NDC), country's highest policy-making body, for final vetting.

The NDC, which is headed by the Prime Minister, comprises Union Ministers, members of Planning Commission and Chief Ministers of all states.

NDC is likely to meet in October to discuss and approve the document, sources said.