New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) Highlights of the Economic Survey for 2014-15 tabled in parliament on Friday by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley:
* Growth rate of over eight percent expected in 2015-16
* Double-digit economic growth trajectory now a possibility
* Infrastructure growth of eight core industries higher than industrial growth since 2011-12
* Inflation showed declining trend during April-December 2014-15, average WPI inflation declined to 3.4 percent against average of six percent during the previous year, WPI food inflation fell to 4.8 percent after high of 9.4 percent in 2013-14, CPI inflation touched all-time low of 5 percent after remaining high at 9-10 percent for last two years
* Government measures to control food inflation and persistent decline in crude prices resulted in declining trend in inflation
* Foodgrain production in 2014-15 estimated at 257.07 million tonnes; will exceed average foodgrain production of last five years by 8.5 million tonnes
* Agriculture and allied sectors contributed 18 percent to GDP
* Number of macro level and sectoral initiatives undertaken to improve industrial growth
* Political mandate for reform and benign external environment
* Scope for big bang reforms
* Services sector clocks double digit growth of 10.6 percent
* External sector returning to path of strength and resilience
* Major reform initiatives undertaken in banking, insurance and financial sectors
* National Solar Mission being scaled up five-fold to 100,000 MW
* Clean Energy Cess doubled to Rs.100 per tonne to mop up Rs. 17,000 crore
* Action-oriented policies to bring rapid development to people while purposefully addressing climate change
* Reforms recommended of Indian Railways’ structure, commercial practices, technology
* Greater public investment in railways to boost growth and manufacturing in India
* Government remains committed to fiscal consolidation, enhanced revenue generation a priority
* India needs to create additional fiscal space
* Male literacy at 80.9 percent, female literacy at 64.6 percent
* Need for balance between Make in India and Skilling India; skill development and employment are major challenges
* Food subsidy bill at Rs.1,07,823.75 crore during 2014-15 (upto January), an increase of 20 percent over previous year
* Rationalisation of subsidies and better targeting of beneficiaries will release resources for public investment in agriculture
* Create National Common Market for agricultural commodities
* Revive public investment to improve investment climate
* Fourteenth Finance Commission will enhance fiscal federalism
* Hyper-growth in tech startups
* Rural penetration of IT services to drive Make in India mission
* Electronic visa gives fillip to tourism sector