New Delhi: India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by a lower rate of 5.4 per cent per annum during the Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) compared to 5.6 to 6.7 per cent growth achieved in the previous three Plan periods.

According to the advanced estimates of Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), growth rate dipped to 5.4 per cent during the Ninth Plan period mainly on account of poor agriculture performance and shortfall in public investment and savings.

The GDP growth during 1997-2002 was 1.3 per cent lower than 6.7 per cent growth achieved during the Eighth Plan period (1992-97).

The Indian economy grew by 5.6 per cent during Sixth Plan period (1980-85) and 6.0 per cent in the Seventh Plan period (1985-90).

PTI