71. I am providing Rs.29,538 crore as Central plan assistance to States and Union Territories in budget estimates 1998-99 compared to Rs.27,001 crore in the revised estimates 1997-98. The normal Central Assistance for State plan is proposed to be enhanced from Rs.12,888 crore to Rs.15,037 crore. The Special Central Assistance for Tribal Sub-Plan is proposed to be enhanced from Rs.330 crore to Rs.380 crore. The Additional Central Assistance for externally aided projects is placed at Rs.5,000 crore. Assistance for Basic Minimum Services and Slum Development schemes is proposed to be enhanced from Rs.2,873 crore to Rs.3,760 crore.