India’s Industrial Growth Picks Up to 5.2% in February

New Delhi — India’s industrial activity showed stronger momentum in February, with growth rising to 5.2%, up from 4.8% in January, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

The uptick was largely driven by the manufacturing sector, which expanded by a solid 6% year-on-year. As the biggest contributor to the Index of Industrial Production, manufacturing plays a critical role not only in economic output but also in job creation, particularly for the country’s growing pool of skilled graduates.

Out of 23 industry groups within manufacturing, 14 recorded positive growth during the month. Key drivers included basic metals (such as steel), motor vehicles, and machinery and equipment—including tractors—all of which posted double-digit growth.

Other core sectors also contributed to the overall expansion. Mining output rose by 3.1%, while electricity generation increased by 2.3% in February.

A closer look at use-based data shows encouraging signs of investment and consumption. Production of capital goods—an indicator of fresh investments in factories and infrastructure—jumped by 12.5%, suggesting stronger economic activity ahead.

Consumer demand also remained healthy, with consumer durables like electronics, refrigerators, and televisions registering a 7.3% increase in output, reflecting improving household incomes.

Meanwhile, the infrastructure and construction goods segment recorded a robust 11.5% growth, supported by large-scale government spending on highways, ports, and railway projects. These investments continue to play a significant role in boosting employment and sustaining overall economic growth.

Overall, the February data indicates a broad-based improvement across sectors, pointing to steady industrial recovery and strengthening economic fundamentals.

With inputs from IANS