Later, at a question-answer session with reporters Mr. Pant said that the warlike situation in Kashmir might not affect the country's economy. But it would be too early to comment on the outcome of the developments in Kashmir. Replying to a question he felt that since the economic parameters were firmly rooted in democracy, the economic growth would remain unhindered.

In the sphere of generation and distribution of power, the Chairman of Taskforce on Infrastructure, Mr. Pant said several factors including loss in transmission would have to be taken into account. The question of increasing the overall power generation was also being given due importance.

He told the members of the Merchant Chamber of Commerce that the industrialists in general in West Bengal were passing through happier days with a surplus generation of power by the generating plants or agencies. In other words, the industrialists were comfortably placed in West Bengal as far as power availability is concerned, Mr. Pant said. He however, referred to the changes being made in the power sector in some other states. He mentioned Orissa and Uttar Pradesh where private sector was being allowed entry minimizing the role of the concerned State Electricity Boards.