Buoyed by the prospects of a robust economic recovery the Planning Commission has expressed the optimism that the average economic growth during the 11th Plan could exceed 8.1 % against the 7.7 % recorded during the previous Plan.

Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia deputy chairman planning commission said that "We will end the 11th Plan period with 8.1 % growth perhaps a little more."

Report said that the national development council meeting is scheduled for July 24 to approve the mid term appraisal document.

Mr Ahluwalia said although the 11th Plan will not be able to achieve the original target of 9 % growth due to the impact of the global economic crisis during 2008 to 2009 and 2009 to 2010 the average growth of over 8.1 % would be much higher than 7.7 % achieved during the 10th Plan.

(Sourced from Economic Times)