Inclusive strategy needed to sustain current growth rate'

V. Sajeev Kumar, Kochi, Nov. 27, The Hindu Business Line

The Union Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, has said that the present growth rate has to be sustained for the next 10-15 years to address major problems such as poverty, illiteracy, diseases and other backwardness.

To address these problems, it requires inclusive growth strategies that must be enacted, implemented and lead to entitlement and rights of the marginalised section, he said.
The Finance Minister was delivering the inaugural address at the 42 {+n} {+d} Regional Conference of Southern India Regional Council of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India here on Saturday.

The Government has ensured certain essential rights for the people. Right to Information, Right to Job, Right to Universal Education, are some the measures taken up by the Government.
Mr Mukherjee said the Government is also contemplating public private partnership (PPP) models that are the best for sustainable growth for 120 crore people. Such efforts needed to be in place by identifying the challenges and opportunities.

He said that the economy is on a growth path at a rate of 8.5 per cent, despite the global financial crisis and internal slowdown. The booming stock market, resurgent manufacturing sector, expanding financial sector speak of the economy's growth.On the proposed Direct Tax Code Bill, he said the Bill is now before the Parliament Standing Committee, and has been put on the website of the Government last year. Based on the suggestions by the people, necessary modifications have been made and presented before the Standing Committee.