{"id":179512,"date":"2022-04-15T20:05:41","date_gmt":"2022-04-15T14:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.forumias.com\/?p=179512"},"modified":"2022-04-15T20:05:41","modified_gmt":"2022-04-15T14:35:41","slug":"is-the-reserve-bank-doing-enough-to-rein-in-inflation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/is-the-reserve-bank-doing-enough-to-rein-in-inflation\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Reserve Bank doing enough to rein in inflation?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p aria-level=\"1\"><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">News<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Recently, the central bank\u2019s monetary policy committee had decided to hold benchmark interest rates <em>(remain accommodative)<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"> However, it has declared to withdraw the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">accommodative monetary policy measure<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to ensure that inflation remains within the RBI\u2019s target limit.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In the last two years, there has been high inflation and real growth has also been zero. Both of these can be a disaster.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Inflation in India is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI Index has stayed above 6%\u202ffor three months running. It is above the Reserve Bank of India\u2019s upper tolerance limit.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What are the causes of high inflation?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">High commodity prices like oil prices, edible oil prices, fertilizers, chemicals, feedstock etc<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">All-round supply chain disruptions &#8211; <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The present <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">geopolitical uncertainty<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in Ukraine has led to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">supply-chain disruptions<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In India, inflation is also caused by <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">supply-side shocks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. And, monetary phenomena like credit infusion often mounts NPAs pressure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are the RBI actions enough to arrest inflation?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It may be difficult to contain inflation through<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> repo rate <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">reverse repo rate<\/span><\/b> <b><span data-contrast=\"none\">adjustments<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The RBI\u2019s <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">monetary policy framework<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is extremely complex. It targets only <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">one macro variables<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> i.e., inflation, and neglects other variables like growth, jobs, external balance, financial stability which are interrelated<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The RBI has, therefore, failed to control the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">inflation curve.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">t has revised the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">inflation estimate <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">a number of times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A high <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">output gap<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is being projected in a number of reports. In fact, the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">rules-based monetary macro framework<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is going to be inadequate<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">to deal with this<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The growth projections are based on the assumption that the Indian economy is experiencing<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> cyclicity<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and the monetary policy can correct it. However, there may be chances that the Indian economy may be facing other challenges (like GST, Demonetization etc.). In this scenario, the monetary policy acting as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">counter-cyclical policy tool<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> will not work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">repo rates hike<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">liquidity tightening <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">works when there\u2019s a lot of credit growth (around 25-30% credit growth). It works to contain aggregate demand and money supply. However, India\u2019<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> credit growth<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> has been 7.5% for the last two years. Thus, credit growth is not causing inflation in India.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What are the good signs?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There have been <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">robust tax collections<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> due to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">formalisation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. In addition, there have been <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">record currency reserves <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">which can act as a buffer for now.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Market sentiment<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is a key factor. Globally, most of the central banks are tightening monetary policy. Therefore, RBI has done good to maintain <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">positive sentiment.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> The move to contain inflation will increase the RBI\u2019s <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">credibility<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What can be done to control inflation?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A high fiscal deficit should be substantiated through enhanced investment. There has to be focus on<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2018crowding in\u2019<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> private corporate investment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The RBI has introduced a new tool known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">the standing deposit facility rate <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">(3.75%) to absorb excess liquidity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The RBI should work upon improving the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">government bond yields<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. It will improve the return for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">long-term bonds<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, reduce inequality, control inflation, and manage financial stability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Efforts should be made to create jobs and increase the output of the Indian Economy. The boost to real economy can improve all our macro variables.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">On the fiscal policy side<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, the government should provide <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2018participation income\u2019<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> (not \u2018basic income\u2019) in the hands of people. It should be done by providing guaranteed jobs. It can tackle inflation.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There has to be<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> fiscal-monetary policy coordination<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> through <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">monetisation of the deficit<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. It<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">can steer growth and creation of \u2018<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">employment<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2019 because the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">full employment equilibrium<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">is well below in the Indian economy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The government needs to conduct the<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Consumer Expenditure Survey<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in 2022-23. It will compensate for the weaknesses of the CPI basket.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:390}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Source<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: The post is based on an article \u201c<strong>Is the Reserve Bank doing enough to rein in inflation<\/strong>\u201d published in <strong>The Hindu<\/strong> on 1<strong>5<\/strong><\/span><strong>th<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong> April 2022<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:420}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>News: Recently, the central bank\u2019s monetary policy committee had decided to hold benchmark interest rates (remain accommodative). However, it has declared to withdraw the accommodative monetary policy measure to ensure that inflation remains within the RBI\u2019s target limit.\u00a0\u00a0 In the last two years, there has been high inflation and real growth has also been zero.&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/is-the-reserve-bank-doing-enough-to-rein-in-inflation\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Is the Reserve Bank doing enough to rein in inflation?\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10328,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1230,9],"tags":[216,10498],"class_list":["post-179512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-9-pm-daily-articles","category-public","tag-gs-paper-3","tag-the-hindu","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":{"total":0,"cached_at":"","cached_date":1704824020},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179512","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10328"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=179512"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179512\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=179512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=179512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=179512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}