Industrial growth was 8.4 per cent during April-October this fiscal compared to 6.2 per cent in the year ago period.

During October, industry logged double digit growth compared to 6.2 per cent a year ago mainly on the back of a robust growth in manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing sector clocked 11.3 per cent growth in October 2004 from 7.1 per cent a year ago, while mining was up by 4.7 per cent and electricity grew by 3.8 per cent.

According to figures released by the government, the quick estimates of index of industrial production stood at 203 points in October.

During April-October, manufacturing sector grew by 8.8 per cent this fiscal compared to 6.8 per cent in 2003-04.

Mining activities were up by 5 per cent in the first seven months of 2004-05 from 3.9 per cent in year ago period.

Electricity generation was up by 7.1 per cent till October 2004-05 from 2.9 per cent in 2003-04.

Of the 17 industry groups, 12 have posted growth during October 2004.

'Other manufacturing industries' group clocked the highest 40.9 per cent growth followed by textile products (24.4 per cent), machinery and equipment (21 per cent).

As per the use-based classification, basic goods posted a growth of 6.8 per cent, capital goods (19.2 per cent), intermediate goods (6.7 per cent).

Consumer durables clocked 15.5 per cent growth while consumer non-durables grew by 14 per cent.

The robust growth in industry assumes significance in the overall growth of the economy especially this fiscal when the country had a deficient monsoon and faced severe oil price pressures.

While analysts expect agriculture to post a negative growth, industry and services are seen to grow by over 8 per cent.