Munde questions Economic Survey figures

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Dhananjay Munde, Monday raised doubts over the data shared by the BJP-led state government in the Economic Survey, which was tabled in the legislature on the first day of the monsoon session.

As per the Survey, except for a two per cent rise in the construction sector, others like mining, manufacturing and utility are showing a downward trend in 2018-19.

State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, however, defended the report, claiming that investment in several sectors was still underway and they would report a rise in the coming period.

However, Munde said: "The Union government's data on various aspects has been doubted by some 108 economists from various countries. Even former economic advisor Arvind Subramanian has also made similar claims. It clearly means, government has not presented accurate data. The errors need to be removed".

He said a closer look at the data and introspection on part of the government is needed.

"We need to set up an all-party member committee for evaluation of the Economic Survey of the Maharashtra government," Munde told the Upper House.