'UP can even better India's growth rate'

Congress’ technology poster boy Sam Pitroda on Wednesday said the average growth rate in Uttar Pradesh could be made higher than the national average.

“If India aims at a growth rate of 8-10 per cent, than the growth rate of UP could be 10-12 per cent,” Pitroda told the media after jointly releasing Congress manifesto here this evening. He said there was no reason that UP could not grow faster than the national average. “Young talent and technology is the hope for the country, which is true for UP as well,” he added. He also referred to the burgeoning telecom market in India pegged at about 800 millixon users compared to a few millions earlier. “Technology is the key element of economic development going forward,” he added.

Replying to a question, Pitroda said he was proud of his roots and if he could rise to such a position, so could any other person from his state and community.