The Planning Commission had constituted a High Level Group on Services Sector on 4th May, 2007 under the Chairmanship of Shri Anwarul Hoda, Member, Planning Commission for comprehensively examining the different aspects influencing the performance of the services sector and suggest short-term and long-term policy measures to improve and sustain its competitiveness in the coming years. The Report of the Group was released by Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission during a Press Conference held on 2 nd April, 2008.

2. The Group selected six sub-sectors of the Services Sector viz. IT and IT enabled Services, Tourism, Shipping, Health Services, Financial Services and Retail Trading Services for detailed examination. While the needs of each sub-sector are unique in many respects, the Group felt that action on three fronts was critical for enhancing the competitiveness of the services sector. The education system must be reformed and expanded, the skill deficit in almost all service sectors must be eliminated through concerted action and the physical infrastructure including the urban infrastructure and civic amenities brought to world standards. A copy of the Report is enclosed.

3. We request the Public to send us comments/views on the recommendations contained in the Report with a view to enable the Government to take further necessary action in the matter. The comments/views may please be sent preferably through e-mail to the following address:

Shri Paul Joseph,
Principal Adviser,
Planning Commission,
Yojana Bhawan, Parliament Street,
New Delhi - 110 001.