<h1>Finance Minister Stresses Pre-Budget Talks, Highlights 8.5% Growth, Urges States' Feedback on GST and Fiscal Plans.</h1> The Finance Minister addressed a conference with State Finance Ministers, emphasizing the importance of pre-budget consultations in a federal system. The meeting highlighted India's economic growth of 8.5% over five years and the challenges posed by global crises in 2008-09. In response, India implemented three stimulus packages, achieving a 6.7% GDP growth rate. The focus was on increased capital expenditure and rural infrastructure, with additional resources allocated to states. The Finance Minister urged states to provide feedback on these initiatives and emphasized the need for fiscal consolidation, inclusive growth, and the introduction of GST by April 2010.