Minimal focus in Prez address on industry: Cong MP

A Congress member on Wednesday regretted in the Rajya Sabha that 'minimal focus' was given in the President's address on industry, production and manufacturing sectors in the country.

"In my opinion, the address has not given space for industry, production and manufacturing sector," Satyavrat Chaturvedi said, initiating discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address to Parliament.

The manufacturing sector contributes about 14-16 per cent in the country's GDP and due to global and domestic factors, industrial activities have slowed down this fiscal, he said, adding that a "minimal focus" was given on the sector.

Chaturvedi, however, expressed confidence that the government would put back the country on path of a high economic growth, as it has been projected in the address.

He said the speech has given priority to five key areas -- economic security, livelihood, environment, energy, and internal and external security.

Recounting the achievements

of the government, Chaturvedi said economic growth has been higher during the United Progressive Alliance regime as compared to the NDA rule, exports have surged and number of terror acts have come down significantly.

"We find hope in the President's Address", he said adding that in the coming years economic activities would pick up further.

In her address, President Pratibha Patil had said the country's economy will soon revert to the 8-9 per cent growth trajectory on the back of strong fundamentals and favourable domestic factors.

On the agricultural sector, Chaturvedi said the country has achieved a record foodgrain production of 250 million tonnes, and asked for increasing the crop loan limit beyond Rs 300,000 to given a further push to the sector.

About the plight of cotton growers, the Congress leader said since they were incurring more expenses on seeds, the government should procure the natural fibre directly from farmers.

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