Multi-pronged policy response needed to reignite, sustain growth: RBI Dy Guv M.D. Patra
The Hindu
Mr. Patra noted that investing in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and securing reduction in trade costs could help to engage the private sector’s participation
Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor M.D. Patra has pitched for a multi-pronged policy response to reignite and sustain productivity and growth at a time when multiple factors which can influence the economy are at work.
“The policy response has to be powered by technological capital deepening, accompanied by long-term investment in research and development to nurture a competitive innovation ecosystem, skill development through sustained educational attainments and training, and building up the physical infrastructure,” Mr. Patra said.
“Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) need to leverage the potential of the services sector to drive productivity growth,” he said in his inaugural address at the Sixth Asia KLEMS Conference on June 11 at Lonavala.
Mr. Patra said that investing in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, securing reduction in trade costs like those associated with shipping, logistics and regulation and supportive business-enabling reforms could help to engage the private sector in partnering in this endeavour.
In addition, he also said that raising labour force participation rates, especially among women and older workers, could also boost productivity, but will require investments in workability, retraining and acquisition of new skills in line with changing technology.
Citing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mr. Patra noted that digitalisation is a key avenue for future productivity growth by harnessing the power to rapidly diffuse and replicate ideas, informational goods and business processes at near-zero marginal cost. He added that Easing and expanding access to finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can generate productivity bursts, especially in EMDEs.
Mr. Patra laid emphasise on central banks stating that they are the stakeholders in this effort in view of their mandates of macroeconomic and financial stability.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed as SEBI Chairperson, focusing on technology, trust, transparency, and teamwork for institution's growth.
Key infrastructure sectors' output grew by 4.6% in January 2025, with coal, steel, and electricity production increasing.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to negotiate bilateral trade agreement with US, aiming to boost commerce and investments.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey borrows from a near four-decade career in public administration that had him serving as a district collector and magistrate of Odisha’s Sambalpur district to being recently made Revenue Secretary in addition to his position as Finance Secretary.
A Cognizant subsidiary took Infosys to court, alleging that the IT major had stolen data from their proprietary software.
Bajaj Auto Ltd. launches Bajaj GoGo electric autos with long range, segment-first features, and trusted reliability for customers.
The U.S. President’s economic and tariff policies and measures to secure his country’s borders may seem justified in terms of promoting his nation’s interests but have wider ramifications not only for Americans themselves, but also for the rest of the world. His tariff proposals will result in supply chain disruptions, lead to market and currency volatility, disrupt capital and trade flows, contribute to inflation and cause a decline in world trade and economic growth, worsening the plight of the poor, especially in developing economies.