Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (150 Words, 10 Marks)

India’s potential for economic growth is intricately woven into a multifaceted tapestry of factors, with the savings rate standing out as a pivotal force propelling the nation forward. Undoubtedly, the savings rate plays a crucial role in fostering economic development by channeling funds into investments, spurring entrepreneurship, and fueling capital formation. However, it would be overly simplistic to attribute India’s growth potential solely to this factor. The country’s expansive demographic dividend, characterized by a youthful and burgeoning population, presents a dynamic workforce that can be a powerful engine for growth. Additionally, technological advancements and innovation are key contributors, opening avenues for increased productivity and competitiveness. Infrastructure development, political stability, and progressive policy frameworks further create an environment conducive to sustained economic expansion. While the savings rate is undeniably a linchpin, a holistic perspective is necessary to appreciate the multitude of factors shaping India’s growth trajectory.

Tag: Indian economy and issues related to planning, mobilization of resources, growth development and employment. Government budgeting.   

Decoding the Question:    

• In the Intro, try to define potential growth and saving rate.   
• In Body,    
• Discuss the significance of the savings rate.   
• Discuss several available factors for India’s growth potential.   
• Try to conclude with some suggestions on India’s growth.    

Answer:     

The savings rate is a measurement of the amount of money, expressed as a percentage, that a person deducts from their disposable personal income to set aside for his retirement. Capital formation then  transfers savings of households to the business sector which leads to increased economic growth. 

Opinion:  

Savings rate as an effective factor for growth):   In India, the savings rate has been historically significant and has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic growth. Here are some significance of the savings rate: 

1. Investment and Capital Formation: A higher savings rate leads to increased investment and capital formation, which are vital for economic development. In India, the Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of GDP has shown fluctuations over the years but has remained significant. For instance:In FY 2016-2017, the GFCF as a percentage of GDP was 24.1%. In FY 2016-2017, it was estimated to be 24.2% of GDP. 
2. Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects. In 2021, the total length of national highways in India was over 142,000 kilometers. 

Example: The “Bharatmala Pariyojana” is a flagship infrastructure development program initiated by the Indian government to enhance road connectivity across the country. It aims to construct and upgrade highways, bridges, and other road networks, covering a total length of approximately 83,677 kilometers. 

3. Financing Government Expenditure: The government relies on savings, primarily in the form of taxes and borrowings, to finance its expenditures on healthcare, education, defense, and social welfare programs. In FY 2016-2017, the government’s total expenditure was around 23.7% of GDP. 
4. Boosting Manufacturing and Industry: Higher savings serve as a crucial source of funding for industries and manufacturing sectors. This has led to initiatives like “Make in India” gaining traction, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and contributing to economic growth. As of 2017, India had received significant FDI inflows, with over $64 billion in total FDI. 
5. Economic Stability: A higher savings rate helps in maintaining economic stability during challenging periods. Indian households’ savings have provided a buffer during global economic shocks, such as the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic. 
6. Financial Inclusion and Creating Financial Assets: Higher savings enable individuals and institutions to create financial assets, fostering the growth of the financial sector. As of March 2017, the total deposits in the Indian banking sector stood at over ₹127 trillion, showcasing the importance of savings in creating financial assets. 
7. Balancing External Trade: Domestic savings help reduce reliance on external borrowings, stabilizing the current account deficit and balance of payments situation. India’s current account deficit narrowed to 0.9% of GDP in FY 2016-2017, partly due to a higher savings rate. 

Other Factors to Achieve Potential Growth:   

1. Human Capital Development:  India’s demographic dividend is a crucial aspect, with a large and young population. As of 2021, India had a median age of around 28 years, indicating a significant workforce potential. 

Example: The “Startup India” and “skill india” initiative launched by the Indian government aims to foster innovation and promote entrepreneurship.  Karnataka’s capital city, Bengaluru, known as India’s Silicon Valley, has emerged as a prominent hub for technology start-ups, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation. 

2. Technological Advancements and Digitalization: India has witnessed significant growth in internet penetration and digitalization. As of 2021, India had over 624 million internet users. 

Example: The “Jan Dhan Yojana” is a financial inclusion program that aims to provide access to financial services to all Indians. Through this initiative, millions of bank accounts have been opened, promoting savings, investments, and formal financial participation, which positively impacts economic growth. 

3. Government Policy Initiatives: The ease of doing business index showed improvements in India’s business environment. In 2020, India jumped 14 places to rank 63rd out of 190 economies. 

Example: The GST, introduced in July 2017, replaced various indirect taxes with a single unified tax system, streamlining the tax regime and reducing compliance burden for businesses. It  creates a conducive business environment, stimulating investment and industrial growth. 

4. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflows: India has consistently attracted substantial FDI inflows in various sectors. In 2020-2021, computer software and hardware received the highest FDI inflow of around USD 26.08 billion. 

Example: The acquisition of a 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms by American technology giant Facebook Inc. in 2020 exemplifies the significant foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in India’s computer software and hardware sector. 

5. Agricultural Productivity and Rural Development: Agriculture remains a significant sector in India, employing a large portion of the population. In 2020-2021, the total food grain production was estimated at around 305 million metric tons. 

Example: The “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana” (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme initiated by the Indian government to protect farmers from crop losses due to natural calamities.  

6. Export Growth and Trade Liberalization: India’s exports of goods and services have shown consistent growth. In 2020-2021, the value of total merchandise exports was approximately USD 291 billion. 

Example: The “Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India” (Pharmexcil) is an organization established by the Indian government to promote pharmaceutical exports from the country. The growth of India’s pharmaceutical exports is a prime example of the positive impact of trade liberalization on India’s export sector. 

An imbalanced focus on savings alone may not lead to India growth:  

1. Income Inequality: The World Inequality Database indicates that the top 1% of income earners in India held around 22% of the national income in 2020, reflecting significant wealth concentration. 
2. Education and Skill Development: To achieve inclusive growth, investment in education and skill development is crucial. A well-educated and skilled workforce contributes to economic productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth. 
3. Low Private Consumption: during economic downturns, when individuals tend to save more in uncertain times, it can lead to reduced consumer spending, which is a significant driver of economic growth. This was observed during the global financial crisis in 2008-2009 when India’s private consumption declined, impacting overall economic growth. 
4. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): These enterprises often face challenges accessing capital for expansion and investment. An imbalanced focus on savings without adequate measures to provide affordable credit and financial support to SMEs can hinder their growth potential, impacting overall economic growth. 
5. Growth and Investment Gap: The disparity between India’s savings rate and the actual investment rate has been referred to as the “savings-investment gap.” This gap indicates that the potential for growth remains untapped due to a lack of adequate investments. 

India which is on the verge of reaping the benefits of demographic dividend, must launch skill development initiatives to utilize the young labour force. It should also improve ease of doing business and create a conducive environment for investment, and better export performance to improve the productivity of the economy. It is a very much needed area when the government needs to increase its focus on extracting our demographic dividend and make India a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024 by improving skilled workforce and upgrading EODB constantly by reaching out to the global investor community.

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