Budget 2012: Economy on cusp of revival, says Pranab

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjeeon Friday said the growth of the Indian economy estimated at 6.9 per centduring this fiscal year was "disappointing" as he started presentingwhat was his seventh federal budget in the Lok Sabha.

"The global crisis has affected us. India's grossdomestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 6.9 percent in 2011-12, afterhaving grown at 8.4 percent in each of the two preceding years," thefinance minister said.

"While we do not have the aggregate figures for thelast quarter of 2011-12, numerous indicators pertaining to this period suggestthat the economy is now turning around. There are signs of recovery in coal,fertiliser, cement and electricity sectors."

Mukherjee said as India enters the 12th Five YearPlan, beginning April 1, the focus of his government would be on five keyareas:

- Frame policies that trigger domestic demand recovery

- Ensure rapid rise in private investment

- Remove bottlenecks in agriculture, energy, transport,coal, power and national highways

- Address malnutrition

- Find ways to expedite implementation of decision, promptdelivery and good governance with transparency, while curbing black money andcorruption

Other Highlights of the Budget for 2012-13

* Fiscal 2011-12 year of recovery interrupted; reality turned out to be different.

* GDP growth in 2011-12 estimated at 6.9 percent; had to battle double digit inflation for two years.

* Agriculture and services continued to perform well; economy is now turning around; recovery in core sectors.

* Now at juncture where it is necessary to take hard decisions; have to accelerate pace of reforms.

* India's inflation structural, driven largely by agricultural constraints.

* Current account deficit 3.6 percent in 2011-12; this put pressure on exchange rate.

* Growth in 2012-13 estimated at 7.6 percent; expect inflation to be lower.

* Better monitoring of expenditure on government schemes.

* Fiscal 2011-12 year of recovery interrupted; reality turned out to be different.

* GDP growth in 2011-12 estimated at 6.9 percent; had to battle double digit inflation for two years.

* Good news: agriculture and services continued to perform well; economy is now turning around; recovery in core sectors.

* Now at juncture where it is necessary to take hard decisions; have to accelerate pace of reforms.