10 per cent GDP growth likely in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Feb 24 (UNI) Maintaining a healthy rate, Chhattisgarh is all set to double the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth during the current year as compared to the last fiscal.

According to state's economic survey, presented by Finance Minister Amar Agrawal in the Vidhan Sabha today, the state's GDP was expected to touch 10 per cent as against the national level growth of 8.1 per cent.

The survey pointed out that in 2004-05, the infrastructure sector had registered a growth of 16 per cent as compared to the previous year, while the growth was 27 per cent in the industrial sector and 9.13 per cent in the service sector. However, growth in the primary sector was 10.33 per cent less than that of the previous year.

Pointing out that the decline in the primary sector was mainly due to natural calamities, particularly heavy rains that has affected production during that year, the survey said the GDP registered a growth of 4.17 per cent because of state's industrial policy and other schemes.

The survey said the economic index of 2005-06 was expected to improve considerably as compared to the previous year. A growth of 3.8 per cent and 8.2 per cent were expected in the agriculture and infrastructure sector respectively.

Pointing out that the state's per capita income has registered an increase, the survey said the per capita income was Rs 14,963 in 2003-04 and Rs 15,073 in 2004-05. A 7.63 per cent growth is expected and the per capita income could touch Rs 16,223 during the current financial year.

Referring to capital investment during 2004-05, the survey said 161 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed and an investment of Rs 15188.54 crore made during the period. As many as 400 small and cottage industries were also set up during this period at an investment of Rs 4673 crore.

Throwing light on the steps being taken for infrastructure development, the survey said construction and upgradation of 4942 KM roads was carried out. Besides, the construction of 3106 Km long North-South and East-West corridors are in progress, the survey said.

UNI JJ SP SS KP1659