Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has tabled the Economic Survey 2023-24 in the Parliament, ahead of the Union Budget 2024-25. Here are the highlights of the Economic Survey 2023-24:
Current Macroeconomic scenario: As per the Economic Survey, the Indian economy is strong and stable, showing resilience post-COVID. Sustaining recovery needs significant domestic efforts due to global trade, investment, and climate challenges.
GDP Growth: The survey projects a GDP growth rate of 6.5-7% & domestic growth in FY24 is strong despite global uncertainties.
Inflation Trend: The Economic Survey 2023-24 indicated a dip in inflation from 6.7% in FY23 to 5.4% in FY24 on the back of effective management of global and supply chain issues. RBI projects inflation at 4.5% for FY25 and 4.1% for FY26, with the IMF forecasting 4.6% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025.
Fiscal Position & External Outlook: The Economic Survey shows improved fiscal balances despite increased public investment. The external sector too remains strong despite global challenges.
Amrit Kaal Growth Strategy: The Amrit Kaal growth strategy focuses on boosting private investment, expanding small and medium enterprises, leveraging agriculture, financing the green transition, bridging the education-employment gap, and building state capacity.
Healthcare and Education: The Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines India's reformed welfare approach, focusing on empowerment and efficiency. NEP 2020 transformed education with a focus on foundational literacy and a major preschool expansion.
Similarly, Ayushman Bharat has issued 34.7 crore cards, covering 7.37 crore admissions and saving Rs 1.25 lakh crore in costs.
Employment and Skill Development: The Economic Survey 2023-24 notes improved labour market indicators, with unemployment at 3.2% in 2022-23.
Rising youth and female workforce participation doubled EPFO payrolls, and increased skill development highlighted job growth. India needs to add 7.85 million non-farm jobs annually until 2030.