By Devanshee Dave
In late 2017, India was announced as the worlds fastest-growing major economy and that, of course, puts India in a greater position. As per Economic survey 2018, Indias Gross Domestic Product is estimated to be between 7-7.5 percent, adding to it the recent news that the inflation rate for February has fallen down to a four-month low, an assertive indication for Indian growth.
Fall in the inflation rate
As Reuters reported, the annual increase in the consumer price index INCPIY=ECI, the main measure of inflation in India is likely to ease in February and reach a four-month low at 4.8 percent from 5.7 percent in January this year. The inflation rate cut is followed by softening in vegetable and other perishable goods prices, but still the inflation rate is yet to meet the target set by the Reserve Bank of India which is at 4 percent.
The estimation was conducted through a poll consisting 30 economists and the forecast range for inflation was between 4.36 percent to 5.60 percent, though the actual inflation data is due to be announced on 12th March. Its noted that if the data announced in the main meeting gets matched with the poll then the inflation statics would be lowest since October.
Instantaneous or long-lasting relief?
As per RBIs data, the inflation for April to September this year is expected to be in the range of 5.1-5.6 percent, so even if the inflation for February decreases, it would not have long-lasting effects.
The expansionary budget is the main concern for the rising inflation. In budgetary allocation, the Finance Minister has allocated a handsome amount for rural sector and farmers, and to abide the allocation announced, Prime Minister Modis administration is likely to spend huge amounts on rural welfare and agriculture from 1 April 2018. Along with that, there is an increase in the guaranteed price in form of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agriculture products. The rise in MSP has great potential to further affect the inflation, although Reserve Bank of India has suggested that the inflation can be eased based on the anticipation of normal rainfall but thats not predictable.
As per the statement given by the economist at ICICI Security Abhishek Upadhyay, There could be a sharp retreat in inflation in February led by a fall in perishable food prices that earlier forced the inflation upsurge from lows in June 2017, but the big picture is the prospective MSP hikes, which continue to be the elephant in the room as far as the inflation outlook is concerned.
The anticipation of whats to come
As per the poll, the annual wholesale price inflation is likely to be at 2.50 percent in February from 2.84 percent in January. Apart from this, the industrial production for January 2018 is also expected to rise at 6.7 percent from a year ago. So, considering the inflation rate along with the target set for the fiscal deficit and the forecast for the Indian GDP, it can be said that the coming financial year would be really crucial for the country and will require great policy framework to execute the targets.