New Delhi, Apr 12 (KNN)  It is becoming worse.  Industrial growth in February 2013 slipped to mere 0.6 per cent from 4.3 per cent a year ago with several of the items produced in the small scale sector languishing.
 
As many as nine industry segments, out of a total of 22, including those in the small and medium scale sector, are still showing a negative trend line.  

While manufacturing  showed an expansion of 2.2 per cent, several industries such as medical, precision and optical instruments, watches and clocks, biscuits, polythene bags, grinding wheels, stampings and forging and fasteners posted disappointing numbers.  Most of these items are made by small and medium business houses.
 
However, there are a few others which have done well.  These include electrical machinery and apparatus, wearing apparel, luggage, handbags, saddler, harness and footwear; tanning and dressing of leather products. 
 
On a cumulative basis, industrial output barely managed to show a positive trend growing just by 0.9 per cent between April- February, 2012-13.
 
Overall, the state of economy is in troubled waters.  The retail inflation remains above double digit and will discourage the Reserve Bank of India to cut interest rates.
 
Corporate earnings are expected to be dull. The initial signals are not positive. Difficult days are still around.  (KNN)