Question : ECONOMIC GROWTH



(a) whether the economic growth rate has lagged behind from 5.9% in the first quarter and 6.0% in the second to 5.8% in the third quarter; and

(b) if so, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister



MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI BALASAHEB VIKHE PATIL)

(a) & (b) As per the Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Third Quarter (October-December), 1999-2000 released by the Central Statistical Organisation the growth in overall real GDP at 1993-94 prices is estimated at 5.9 per cent in the first quarter (April-June), 6.0 per cent in the second quarter (July-September) and 5.8 per cent in the third quarter (October-December) of 1999-2000. The slowdown in overall GDP growth in the third quarter of 1999-2000 is largely due to a slow down in GDP growth originating in agriculture, forestry and fishing from 1.7 per cent and 1.8 per cent in the first quarter and second quarter respectively to 0.5 per cent in third quarter of 1999-2000.