Doc’s prescription

ECONOMIC GROWTH: ‘Growth hasn’t decelerated, reforms are on track’

There is no evidence to believe there is deceleration in growth… 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: ‘Inflation crossing eight per cent has caused some concern’

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: ‘Farm credit will be doubled in three years’

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

DISINVESTMENT: ‘No ideological aversion… No earthshaking reason to sell profitable PSUs’

A ‘‘yes’’ for disinvestment, but not to the extent that it ‘‘changes PSE’s character into private companies.’’ If there are profit-making enterprises in competitive conditions there is no earthshaking reason for disinvestment.

RESERVATION: ‘Private sector should be more sensitive’

There are many ways of doing it (reservation)… While the private sector needs to show ‘‘greater sensitivity’’ a ‘‘constant dialogue” is in order as well. Growth must be equitable and opportunities enlarged for all sections.

STOCK MARKET: ‘Genuine investors will find the government friendly’

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

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

FDI: ‘Country needs huge doses of it’

All efforts will be made to create a “conducive” atmosphere for investors to bring in FDI. There is ‘’no change’’ in attitude on FDI…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: ‘New improved food-for-work plan in two months’

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