Dr Reddy, the Congress’ principal speaker for Tuesday, lauded the leadership of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, PM Manmohan Singh and finance minister Pranab Mukherjee for being able to maintain economic stability despite the global financial crisis.
Speaking during the discussion on the Finance Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Reddy appealed to Mr Mukherjee to focus on three important areas — irrigation, flood control and drought-related problems. He felt importance needed to be given to these crucial sectors. He also referred to the Polavram and Pranahita Chevella projects in Andhra Pradesh. Referring to Ind-ia’s economy, Dr Reddy said that during the global financial crisis in 2009, when the GDP in the US, UK and Japan stood at -2.5, -4.8 and -5.3 respectively, India’s GDP remained static at 5.6 per cent. “This was because of the tireless efforts and economic refo-rms initiated by the finance ministry and the Centre,” he said. “Now the challenge before us is to achieve GDP growth of nine per cent.”
Age Correspondent