New Delhi, Feb 2 (ANI): Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday said that the Government is concerned about inflation, and is taking steps to contain it.

Inflation is the result of high growth, Chidambaram said, while chairing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting of the Finance Ministry.

He expressed confidence that the Government would gain mastery in dealing with it.

Chidambaram also sought suggestions from the Committee members for the General Budget 2007-08.

Most of them emphasised the need for giving more attention to rural areas, especially to the plight of poor farmers, increasing investment in agriculture and lowering rates of interest for the agricultural sector.

Other suggestions included the abolition of CST, revenue implications of SEZs, reduction in customs and excise duties, continuation of subsidies, development of Self Help Groups, increase in rural employment, creation of Corpus Fund for farmers, continuation of Public Distribution System and implementation of e-Governance.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam and Pawan Kumar Bansal. (ANI)