Economy to grow close to 8% in 2011-12: PM

12 Oct 2011 Evaluate
The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh quoting inflation as short term challenge, said that the Indian economy will achieve growth rate of close to 8% in 2011-12. But in short term will have to deal with high inflation.

Speaking at the Combined Commanders Conference of the Indian Armed Forces, the Prime Minister said, “The fundamentals of our economy remain strong. Despite the global slowdown, we will still achieve a growth rate of close to eight percent this year”.

In the first quarter of current financial year, Indian economy grew by 7.7% compare to 8.8% in the same period of last fiscal year, which is slowest in last 6 quarters. Along with other major national and international agencies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised downwards its growth estimate for the Indian economy to 8% in current fiscal year, from 8.5% in last fiscal. The RBI has said that the inflation would act as a dampener.  

Prime Minister said, "Our short-term challenge is to bring down inflation, while in the long-term we have to make our growth process more inclusive, spur agricultural growth, expand the delivery of education, health and other services, protect our environment and improve our overall infrastructure."

The headline inflation, measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), surged to 9.78% in month of August compare to 9.22% in July, which is the 13 month high level. In order to bring inflation under control, the RBI have increased its short term lending and browning rates by 12 times in last 18 months.  

With reference to the issue of the defence production, Prime Minister said the private sector's IT and knowledge skills should be utilized well for modernization of the armed forces.

"We are among the world leaders in information technology and a knowledge-based economy. We have a vibrant private sector. It is necessary to put in place policies to promote a viable defence industry in the country using the large industrial and skill base that already exists...The Defence Production Policy announced this year is a step in the right direction," PM said.
 
By adding further he said, it should be a joint effort of armed forces, scientists and captains of Indian industry to ensure that the there is less dependency on external sources for equipment and technology.

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