UPSC Prelims 2003 Q36: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
During the year 2000 - 01,
which one of the following industries recorded highest growth rate in India?
- (a) Cement
- (b) Coal
- (c) Electricity
- (d) Steel
Answer: (d) Steel
Explanation
> Note for students: Some answer keys give (c) Electricity, but the Economic Survey growth figures put steel at about 9.2% against electricity at about 4%, so the answer by facts is (d) Steel.
Industry with the highest growth in 2000-01
| Industry | Growth in 2000-01 |
|---|---|
| Steel | About 9.2% |
| Electricity | About 4% |
| Coal | About 3 to 3.5% |
| Cement | About 2% |
Among the four, steel recorded the highest growth rate in 2000-01, at about 9.2%. (Some answer keys give electricity, but the growth figures of the Economic Survey place steel first.)
Answer: (d) Steel.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cement grew by only about 2 percent.
- (b) Incorrect. Coal grew by about 3 to 3.5 percent.
- (c) Incorrect. Electricity grew by about 4 percent.
- (d) CORRECT. Steel grew by about 9.2 percent.
Key point
2000-01 infrastructure growth: steel 9.2, electricity 4.0, coal 3.5, cement 2.1.
Remember
Steel grew fastest among these in 2000-01.
Common mistakes
- Choosing electricity because it is a core sector.
- Using April-December growth for the full year.
- Mixing 2000-01 with 2001-02, when cement rose by 6.4%.
Exam tip
Check the exact year: the ranking changed between 2000-01 and 2001-02.
Sources
- Ministry of Finance, Government of India — Economic Survey 2001–02 (Industry and Infrastructure)
- Office of the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry — Index of Industrial Production