IIP clocks 6.2 p.c. rise in Apr.-Dec.

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, FEB. 11. Industrial growth seems to have regained some momentum in December 1999 when the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered a 5.2 per cent growth. The index had gone up just 3.3 per cent in November.

Figures released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) here today show that general index for April-December 1999 registered a 6.2 per cent growth against 3.7 per cent in the same period in the previous year. The sector-wise break-up shows that the mining sector grew zero per cent in the nine month period against a decline of 0.8 per cent in the same period in the previous year. The manufacturing sector reflected a 6.7 per cent growth, up from a 3.9 per cent. Electricity generation was up 7.7 per cent against a 6.8 per cent increase.

Statistics for December alone show that the mining sector registered a decline of 0.2 per cent against a decline of 0.8 per cent in December 1998. The manufacturing sector was up 5.9 per cent against 4.2 per cent and electricity generation 5.2 per cent against 10.2 per cent. Consequently, the general index in December 1999 registered a 5.2 per cent increase against a 4.3 per cent increase in December 1998.

The CSO data on use-based classification reveals that during April-December 1999 basic goods production was up 5.1 per cent (1.9 per cent in April-December 1998), capital goods 6.6 per cent (11.3 per cent) while intermediate goods production was up 8.7 per cent (5.2 per cent) and consumer goods by 4.9 per cent (2 per cent). In this segment, consumer durables production was up 11.9 per cent (3.8 per cent) and consumer non-durables 2.9 per cent (1.6 per cent).

Corresponding figures for December alone reveal that basic goods production was up 4.1 per cent (2.9 per cent), capital goods declined by 4.4 per cent (positive 11.9 per cent) while intermediate goods were up 9.6 per cent (2.6 per cent) and consumer goods 5.5 per cent (4.9 per cent). In this segment, consumer durables were up 12 per cent (2.2 per cent) and consumer non-durables 3.9 per cent (5.6 per cent).

Statistics based on two-digit industry groups show that 12 out of the 17 two-digit industry groups showed positive growth in December 1999 as compared with the previous year. Non-metallic mineral products have shown the highest growth of 25.4 per cent, followed by beverages, tobacco and related products (15.2 per cent) and machinery and equipment other than transport equipment (15 per cent). On the other hand, other manufacturing industries have shown a decline of 15.4 per cent, followed by a decline of 7.9 per cent in rubber, plastic, petroleum and coal products and 7.1 per cent in wood and wood products, furniture and fixtures.

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