The Economic Survey of India is published by Central
Statistical Organization which consists of general economic health of
the country. It focusses on various micro and macro economic sectors
with complete statistical data and analysis. Each year such survey is
conducted to show the status of economic scenario of the country.
Highlights Economic Survey 2008-2009
- Unleash reforms and phase out cesses, surcharges and transaction
taxes (such as commodities transaction tax, securities transaction
tax and fringe benefit tax).
- Introduce new income tax code that results in neutral corporate
tax regime.
- 7-7.5% growth possible in 2009-10.
- Allow 49% FDI in defence and insurance; permit FDI in
multi-format retail starting with food.
- Decontrol petrol and diesel prices; end Govt monopoly in
railways, coal and nuclear energy.
- Lift all bans on future contracts to restore price discovery;
decontrol sugar and fertiliser.
- Revitalise disinvestment programme to generate Rs 25,000 crore
annually, list all PSUs and auction those beyond revival
- Economic growth decelerated in 2008-09 to 6.7 per cent from nine
per cent in 2007-08
- Fiscal deficit in 2008-09 shot up to over 6 per cent from 2.7 per
cent in 2007-08
- Complete the process of selling 5-10 per cent equity in
identified profit-making non-'Navratna' PSUs.
- List all unlisted PSUs and sell a minimum 10 per cent equity to
public.
- Auction all loss-making PSUs that cannot be revived. In PSUs with
zero networth, allow negative bidding in the form of debt write-off.
- Auction 3G spectrum-The auctioned spectrum must be freely
tradable, with capital gains on spectrum to be taxed under the
Income Tax Act.
- Rationalise Dividend Distribution Tax to ensure full single
taxation of returns to capital in the hands of the receiver
- Reform petroleum (LPG, Kerosene), fertiliser and food subsidies
to reduce leakages.
- Limit LPG subsidy to a maximum of 6-8 cylinders per annum per
household.
- Phase out kerosene supply-subsidy by ensuring that every rural
household has a solar cooker and solar lantern.
- Review customs duty exemptions and move to a uniform duty
structure to eliminate inverted duties.
- Implement GST from April 1, 2010
- Rapid operationalisation of UID Authority within 3 months
- Agriculture growth fell sharply to 1.6 per cent in 2008-09 from
4.9 per cent.
- Exports grew at 3.4 per cent to 168 billion dollar in 2008-09
from 163 billion dollar in previous fiscal.
- Imports grew at 14.3 per cent to $287.75 bn from $251.65 bn.
- Trade balance deteriorated to $119.05 bn from $88.52 bn.