8217;12th Plan to slash poor-rich gap8217;

Kumar has been given the portfolio at a time when the Planning Commission is working on the 8216;Approach8217; document of the 12th Plan which would ultimately lead to formulation of the five-year period document.

Focus will be on improving 8220;delivery8221; of government8217;s flagship schemes within the stipulated timefarme,he said.

8220;Planning assumes importance in the wake of globalisation of economy and need to make benefits of it reach all corners of the country and people,8221; he added.

Kumar,a Rajya Sabha member,was earlier Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.