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REFORMS: 8216;The government will take care of sections deprived of reform8217;s benefits so far8217; Deliberately, we have to do a mid-c...

REFORMS: 8216;The government will take care of sections deprived of reform8217;s benefits so far8217;

Deliberately, we have to do a mid-course correction but that does not mean we have given up reforms. We will stay on our course. The country must forge ahead with a higher rate of economic growth, but that growth process must generate more employment, must be equitable, socially just and humane.

ECONOMIC GROWTH: 8216;Growth hasn8217;t decelerated, reforms are on track8217;

There is no evidence to believe there is deceleration in growth8230; Industrial growth has been higher than in the previous year, investment is buoyant, non-food credit growth is higher and export growth is better.

INFLATION: 8216;Inflation crossing eight per cent has caused some concern8217;

Despite increasing world oil prices, delayed monsoons and avoidable disruptions caused by such actions as the truckers strike, we shall be able to control inflationary pressures, without hurting growth.

AGRICULTURE: 8216;Farm credit will be doubled in three years8217;

Wherever farmers have problems in returning loans, rescheduling arrangement will be made8230; Our effort is to provide maximum benefit to the farmers.

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DISINVESTMENT: 8216;No ideological aversion8230; No earthshaking reason to sell profitable PSUs8217;

A 8216;8216;yes8217;8217; for disinvestment, but not to the extent that it 8216;8216;changes PSE8217;s character into private companies.8217;8217; If there are profit-making enterprises in competitive conditions there is no earthshaking reason for disinvestment.

RESERVATION: 8216;Private sector should be more sensitive8217;

There are many ways of doing it reservation8230; While the private sector needs to show 8216;8216;greater sensitivity8217;8217; a 8216;8216;constant dialogue8221; is in order as well. Growth must be equitable and opportunities enlarged for all sections.

STOCK MARKET: 8216;Genuine investors will find the government friendly8217;

Our government remains committed to creating a conducive environment for investment growth both public and private.

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Genuine investors should rest assured that we will not pursue a path that is not investor friendly.

FDI: 8216;Country needs huge doses of it8217;

All efforts will be made to create a 8220;conducive8221; atmosphere for investors to bring in FDI. There is 8216;8217;no change8217;8217; in attitude on FDI8230;This country needs large doses of FDI.

On the Left roadblock: We are engaged in a constructive dialogue. We will have a conclusion which is a forward looking one.

EMPLOYMENT: 8216;New improved food-for-work plan in two months8217;

A strategy for 7-8 per cent growth should be labour and agriculture oriented to provide more job opportunities.