Question : SLIPPING INDIAN ECONOMY

(a) whether the International Institute of Management Development, Switzerland rankings for the year 2002, of the most competitive economies of the world reveals that India has slipped to 42nd from 38th in 1998 ;

(b) if so, the main reasons put forward by them in the report;

(c) whether the Government`s efficiency, which reflects the extent to which Government policies are conducive to competitiveness, is also taken into consideration ;

(d) if so, whether the Government has examined the report; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard ?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRIS. S. PALANIMANICKAM)

(a) to (el: As per the rankings of the International Institute of Management Development, Switzerland, India`s ranking for the year 2002 was 42nci. The ranking for the year 1998 was 41st. Annual ranking is based on an analysis of 314 criteria, covering four major factors including economic performance, government and business efficiency and infrastructure.Improving competitiveness of the economy is a continuous process and necessary steps are taken in this regard.