Stalin cites NSO survey, expresses concern over bleak economic

DMK President M K Stalin on Friday expressed concern over "bleak" economic outlook following an official survey which reportedly pointed to a fall in consumer spending and urged the Centre to take measures to boost rural economy.

A media report cited a latest consumption expenditure survey by the National Statistical Office (NSO) to claim that consumer spending fell for the first time in more than 40 years in 2017-18, primarily driven by slackening rural demand.

"NSO Consumer Spending Data points to a dire economic situation and a bleak economic outlook. Data shows that people are spending less for the first time in 40 years," Stalin, also the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, tweeted.

"Union Govt must pay heed to the key indicators on spending and immediately take measures to boost rural economy," he said and tagged the media report.