Gas,electricity set to cost more

Exuding confidence that India has the capacity to grow at 9 per cent,the deputy chairman argued that by 2025 India could be the third largest economy after China and the US in terms of the gross domestic product. But to ensure a 9 per cent growth rate during the impending Plan period beginning on April 1,2012,the government might have to take “critical decisions and tough policy choices” depending on when the current uncertainties in the world ends and stability returns.

On poverty,Ahluwalia said if the country grew at 8.5 to 9 per cent,“I would expect poverty below 5 per cent by 2025.” In reply to a query on whether the plan panel should re-invent itself,the deputy chairman said the commission has “reformed” more than anyone else.”

The Planning Commission will have to re-charge. I was in charge of the 11th Plan. We have done much more outreach in the 12th Plan,” he contended.

The deputy chairman pointed out that in the 12th plan the commission has set a target of 4 per cent growth in farm sector,and the current Plan period may end with a 3 per cent growth.