Ramping up job opportunities in specific sectors could be among the top priorities of

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finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, if the pre-budget economic survey 2009 is any indication.

With almost 30 per cent rise in job projection between 2007 and 2012, the survey said that 59 million jobs would be created by the end of 2012, higher than 45 million projected at the start of the eleventh five-year plan. The government has identified sectors such as food processing, leather, textiles, gems and jewellery and handicrafts to boost job figures.

“The sectors identified by the centre are labour-intensive and despite being neglected for decades, have growth potential,” Naresh Malhan, managing director Manpower India told Financial Chronicle. He said that the budget could include some specific provisions to boost job opportunities in these sectors. “The centre must be clear about boosting these sectors since they have mentioned them so clearly in the report,” Malhan added.

Sunil Goel, professional leader, GlobalHunt, said reforms could be expected to revive the textile sector in the form of tax sops.