Category: Economy

Analyzing Jobs Lost During Covid-19 – PLFS Survey

The release of periodic labor force survey (PLFS) data for April-June’20 quarter, the peak lockdown months, gives a comprehensive view of the extent of job losses. As per the survey, urban unemployment rate reached a level of 20.9% during the quarter. The dis-aggregated figures reveal that stress was as high as 59% for specific segment at state level. Here is a look at some of the details. Continue reading Analyzing Jobs Lost During Covid-19 – PLFS Survey

State of the Economy – Tracking the Uneven Recovery

Even after recording GVA growth of 1.0% during Dec’20 quarter (GDP growth – 0.4%), the uncertainty regarding continued momentum in recovery remains high. The available high-frequency data for Jan-Feb’21 reinforces the fear with slight moderation in growth in some of the segments. Another cause of worry is the sharp increase in WPI inflation which touched 4.2% in Feb’21, the highest in over two years. Here is a look at the performance of some of the key indicators. Continue reading State of the Economy – Tracking the Uneven Recovery

GDP, Dec’20 Quarter – Too Little To Celebrate…

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for quarter ended Dec’20 (Q3’FY21) recorded a marginal growth of 0.4% as per the data released by MOSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) today. Even though the growth, after two quarters of decline of 24.4% and 7.3%, is a relief, it looks quite tentative. For one, this is lower than the general estimates of clocking 1-1.5%. Second, it was propped up by increase in government spending, without which, it would have again contracted. And most importantly, some important sectors continue to remain in the negative zone – leading to K shaped recovery – which can pull down other sectors if persists for long. The highlight of the quarter is strong pickup in financial & other services and construction, both of which grew at 6%+ after decline of over 7% in Q2’21. Here is a brief analysis of GDP and its constituents. Continue reading GDP, Dec’20 Quarter – Too Little To Celebrate…

Power Distribution Companies – The Elephant In The Room

Chairman of the Fifteen Finance Commission called state distribution companies (discoms), “The Elephant in the room”, in an interview recently. Indeed, discoms are in a dire state, operating with AT&C (aggregate transmission & commercial) losses of over 22% and accumulated losses of close to Rs 4 lakh crore. To improve their viability, the Finance Minister … Continue reading Power Distribution Companies – The Elephant In The Room
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Food Corporation of India – Managing Inefficiencies

FCI (Food Corporation of India) must be heaving a sigh of relief with revised allocation of Rs 3.44 lakh crore during FY21 as subsidy against initial allocation of Rs 78,000 crore made in Feb’20. This would not only help it meet this year’s revenue gap but also clear part of its past overdues. The financial … Continue reading Food Corporation of India – Managing Inefficiencies
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Corporate Tax Exemptions – Desirable or Not?

The Finance Commission has expressed concern about the low tax/GDP ratio in India and has discussed in detail, ways to reduce this. Other than low tax base, significant amount of tax revenue is lost through invocation of large number of tax exemptions companies receive. (As an effort to plug this, the Finance Minister added an … Continue reading Corporate Tax Exemptions – Desirable or Not?
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Finance Commission Report – Understanding the Formula for Devolution to States

The report of 15th Finance Commission (FC), constituted every five years, was tabled in the parliament on the day of the budget. The Finance Commission is an important constitutional body which determines the flow of revenue from centre to states and more importantly, fix a formula for the distribution of total pie among different states. Role of the commission is critical as most of the taxes are levied at the national level and states’ own tax revenue is less than half of their expenditure. The devolution forms the bedrock of India’s federal structure, giving states financial independence. Here is a look at how the commission arrives at the division and other details. Continue reading Finance Commission Report – Understanding the Formula for Devolution to States

Budget – Deficit Terminologies, Trends And Sources of Finance

The budget has sharply revised fiscal deficit (FD) for FY21, up from 3.5% in budget estimates (BE) to as high as 9.5%. Other than FD, budget also looks at other deficit numbers such as revenue deficit, primary deficit and effective revenue deficit. So, what all are these deficits and their importance?? Here is a brief look. … Continue reading Budget – Deficit Terminologies, Trends And Sources of Finance
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Budget – Revenue & Expenditure Analysis (Part II)

Against total receipt of Rs 19.8 lakh crore, government is projected to spend nearly Rs 34.8 lakh crore in FY22. Other than interest payments, broad areas which account for maximum expenditure are Defence, Subsidies and rural & agriculture sector. Here is a look at the details of various government expenses. Government’s expenditure classification is more … Continue reading Budget – Revenue & Expenditure Analysis (Part II)
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