Rid barriers to growth-ideological, political

New Delhi, Mar 4 (UNI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today made out a fervent appeal for eliminating all barriers -- ideological, institutional or political -- in the way of leapfrogging to a higher growth rate from the present level of eight per cent per annum.

'No God has written on the forehead of India that it will remain poor," Mr Chidambaram said in his address at the Annual Day function of the Shri Ram College of Commerce here.

The college, a landmark institution, is part of Delhi University and located in its campus in North Delhi. The auditiorium was packed with students and faculty.

Mr Chidambaram said the country has the capacity to tackle all problems, be they relating to health, illiteracy or physical disabilities of people.

The Finance Minister said targetting an eight per cent growth would entail creating a huge lot of facilities. These include 80 lakh more jobs, buildings for schools, reducing congestion at the ports, handling more traffic at the airports by improving their conditions.

"Potatoes are exported from Punjab and tomatoes from West Bengal.

The world does not care whether they are produced in a state run by a Left government or a right government," Mr Chidambaram said.

"India should become the investors destination only then we will be able to increase our investment rate and step up growth," he said.

Mr Chidambaram said the flow of capital was driving the world economy and there was need for creating a policy environment conducive for growth.

UNI GS ARB ND1724