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Highlights of the Economic Survey for 2003-04

July 07, 2004 12:18 IST
Last Updated: July 07, 2004 12:32 IST


Following are the highlights of Economic Survey 2003-2004, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday:

  • Steps to be taken to achieve 7-8 per cent GDP growth.
  • Expanding industry fast, by at least 10 per cent.
  • Boosting agricultural growth through diversification.
  • Emphasis on agro-processing to achieve higher agri growth.
  • Effecting fiscal consolidation, eliminating revenue deficit.
  • Maintaining inflation at around 5 per cent.
  • Foreign exchange reserve at $119.3 billion as of May 31, 2004.
  • Combined fiscal deficit in 2003-04 at 9.4% of GDP.
  • Indications of hardening of interest rates in near future.
  • No divestment in profit-making PSUs.
  • FII inflows up by 1635 per cent in 2003-04 over 2002-03.
  • Expresses concern over low teledensity and Internet usage States get extension to unbundle SEBs.
  • Redesign food security framework. 
  • Attract greater investment in infrastructure projects.
  • Design specific micro strategies for export growth.
  • Reformulate policy to tackle poverty.
  • Take steps for attaining 10 pc industrial growth.
  • Shift focus to corridor management in road construction.
  • States to cut down fiscal deficits.
  • Overhaul tax exemptions; strict penalty to curb evasion.
  • Recommends broad-based agri development programme.
  • Fee hike for higher education.
  • External debt jumps 6.47% to $112.13 billion till 2003.
  • Equity markets return 85% in 2003-04.

Economic Survey 2003-2004: Complete Coverage


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