Highlights of Economic Survey 2005-06

Following are the highlights of Economic Survey 2005-06 tabled in Parliament on Monday (27 feb 2006)

• Economic growth projected at 8.1 per cent in 2005-06.
• Agriculture growth at 2.3 per cent.
• Foodgrains output up by 5 million tonnes to 209.
• Inflation rate projected at 5% in current fiscal.
• In medium-term, inflation likely to fall.
• Interest rates may harden.
• Savings rate up at 29.1 per cent of GDP.
• Investment rate up at 31 per cent of GDP.
• Industrial growth at 7.8 per cent (April-December).
• Fiscal and revenue deficit targets to be met.
• Tele-density increases to 11.32 per cent.
• Current account deficit surfaces after a gap of 3 years.
• Trade deficit increases.
• Bold policy reforms in oil sector required.
• Policy required for speedy development of infrastructure.
• Indian industry needs to be unburdened from high taxes.
• Forex reserve down by $2 billion to $139.2 billion (till Jan'06).