Shimla, Feb 17 (IANS): An annual plan size of Rs 7,900 crore for the next fiscal was approved on Monday at a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Planning Board presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here.

There is an increase of Rs 800 crore from this fiscal annual plan of Rs 7,100 crore, an increase of 11 per cent.

The sectors which have been given priority in the annual plan are social services, transport and communication.

The other sectors are agriculture, irrigation and flood control and energy.

The Chief Minister appreciated efforts of the Planning Department for making a comprehensive and interesting presentation on economy of the state.

He expressed concern over the gap between the male and female literacy rate. He said efforts should be made to reduce this gap as this would help women empowerment.

Thakur said the life expectancy rate of the state was better than the national average, which speaks of better health services.