Economic Survey LIVE | 'India must prioritise investment in grid infra, critical minerals'

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (January 31) tabled the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The pre-Budget document projected GDP growth of 6.3 to 6.8 per cent for FY26, saying: "The fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with a strong external account, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption."

After several quarters of high food inflation, the Survey predicted that food inflation is "likely to soften" in Q4.

Also read | Economic Survey | Paradox: India Inc profits soar, but wage growth dips

Touching upon Ease of Doing Business 2.0, the document said: "The government should be ‘getting out of the way’ and allow businesses to focus on their core mission."

Renewable push

India must prioritise investment in extensive grid infrastructure improvements and secure sourcing of critical minerals to strengthen its renewable energy initiatives, suggested the Survey.

The document tabled in Parliament on Friday noted that despite being one of the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emitters per capita, India has made notable strides in reducing the emissions intensity of its energy consumption. This progress is largely due to the increased deployment of renewable energy sources alongside a suite of energy conservation measures, it also noted.

Also read | Economic Survey | Slowing growth presents reality check for Viksit Bharat

Budget Session begins

The Budget Session of the Parliament began earlier today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses.

The government has listed 16 Bills, besides the financial business, for the Budget session which will be held from January 31 to February 13 before breaking for recess to examine the Budget proposals. The session will reconvene on March 10 and continue till April 4.

Read updates here: