India facing difficult times: PM on economy

NEW DELHI, June 4 (Agencies): Citing uncertainties in the global economy and rising oil prices due to tensions with Iran, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India is facing "difficult times" but exuded confidence that the "testing" period would be overcome.

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting here, he said that despite the international slowdown, India's growth was 7 per cent in 2011-12 which was "one of the highest in the world".

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Referring to the challenges facing the government, he said there were uncertainties in global economy and commodity prices like that of oil were rising due to "uncertain prospects" in West Asia.

"These are difficult times for our country and for our economy, caused to a very large extent by circumstances over which we have little or no control," Singh said.

"These are times when our will and determination are being tested," he said, adding "we must stay the course" and "have faith in ourselves".

He expressed confidence that "we will emerge stronger from these testing times".

His statement assumes significance as it comes against the backdrop of the GDP growth falling to 5.3 per cent in the last quarter of the 2011-12, the lowest in nine years.

Singh said the UPA government had made every effort to fulfill the promises made to the 'aam aadmi' (common man) by delivering high growth rate, implementing programmes for social and economic inclusion on "a scale never seen before" and taking "unprecedented" steps to empower the citizens.

Listing out various achievements of the government, he said poverty is declining faster than it did before UPA took charge, real wages are increasing, agricultural growth has accelerated and economic security has been ensured.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh attended the CWC meet along with state Home Minister and MPCC chief Gaikhangam at New Delhi.

Reports said, Manipur’s plan size might come up for discussions on Wednesday with the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The CM Ibobi Singh will attend the meet along with ministers and senior government officials.

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