The planning commission is working out plans for the overall development of KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) districts of Orissa, urging union government to sanction special extended projects worth Rs 4,550 crore for these districts.

Planning Commission member, Abhijit Sen, in a review meeting of commission, said the prospective plan will be implemented from 2009-10 to 2016-17, giving a push to the overall development of the area.

Mr. Sen added, "I am in favor of an extended KBK program. But for that approvals from the Centre and the Planning Commission are needed. Please wait and see." He appreciated the state government for spending more than the plan size of Rs 7500 crore in 2008-09, asking state to show similar zeal for the current financial year.

The state is allocated Rs 9500 crore this fiscal and it has spent just six per cent of the allocation by the first quarter ending June. However, state official hoped that the state will soon meet the goals, lagged behind due to general election during the quarter.

Mr. Sen also reviewed the work of NREGA, PMGSY, IAY and JNNURM schemes and urged state machinery to make optimum use of central funds.