India's government has unveiled its annual budget, saying that the economy is expected to grow at 9% in 2012.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the growth rate for the current fiscal year was projected at 8.5%.
He said inflation would decrease over the next fiscal year - the current rate is 8.4%. But food price inflation, at 17%, "remains a concern".
Mr Mukherjee promised action on food security and pledged an increase in social spending.
"The country has carried for long enough the burden of hunger and malnutrition," he said.
The finance minister said a food security bill, which will guarantee cheap food to the poor, would be introduced into parliament soon.
He also announced a substantial increase in funds for education and health. Social spending funds are also set to increase by 17%. BBC News
