NEW DELHI: India's economy grew at 7.1 pct in the first six months of the current financial year despite subdued growth in the world economy, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday.

Noting that the government has been taking steps to boost industrial production and growth, she said the country's economy grew 7.1 pct during April-September period of current financial year which ends on March 31, 2017.

"Despite subdued growth in the world economy, India has maintained a GDP growth rate of 7.2 pct in 2014-15, 7.6 pct in 2015-16 and 7.1 pct during April to September of 2016-17," the Commerce and Industry Minister said in a written reply during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

Sitharaman also said the primary responsibility of industrial development of backward areas rested with the state governments, while the Central government supplements their efforts through various schemes.

Various steps being taken to boost industrial production and growth include 'Make in India' and 'Startup India' initiatives, liberalisation of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) policy and development of industrial corridors, she added.

"During April-September, 2016-17, IIP (Index of Industrial Production) declined by 0.1 pct over April-September, 2015-16," the Minister said.

Observing that state and union territory-wise IIP is not maintained centrally, she said "the annual growth of IIP increased from (-)0.1 pct in 2013-14 to 2.8 pct in 2014-15 and slightly decreased to 2.4 pct in 2015-16".

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