Montek eyes 8% GDP growth

The Planning Commission would set an 8 per cent growth target for the 11th plan period beginning in 2007, with a focus on improving education, health and infrastructure in the country, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said last evening.

"The documents were being prepared for looking at the feasibility of achieving an average 8 per cent growth in 11th five year plan starting from 2007," Ahluwalia told reporters.

He said the focus of the 11th plan would be on improving education, health and infrastructure. "India was lagging behind primarily in three sectors including health, education and infrastructure, compared with the other developed economies," Ahluwalia said

"The country should give major thrust on improving infrastructure, as only quality infrastructure could play a vital role in boosting the economy," he said, urging both the Centre and state governments to work together in this area.

Asked about achieving the 7 per cent growth target set for the 10th plan, Ahluwalia said, "We would certainly achieve the 7 per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) as envisaged."