Pyramid Saimira CMD PS Saminathan has sent this communiqué to the company shareholders seeking to put facts in a proper perspective, in view of the the recent controversy kicked off by a forged letter to SEBI:
“Last few days, there has been lot of news paper reports about Pyramid Saimira. Though it is nice to get covered in press, since we are not in political arena, we feel, we should present the correct facts to our stakeholders.
“On Sunday 21st Dec. 2008 financial dailies carried press reports quoting a SEBI order on Mr P S Saminathan, Chairman & Managing Director of Pyramid Saimira Group, ordering him to go in for an open offer at Rs.250/- per share in view of the fact that he is buying additional 20% stake from a person acting in concert. We were extremely surprised on this news since we did not receive any such order from SEBI and also the said Order was not in the SEBI’s website. Further, the proposed transaction needs to be filed with regulatory authorities and has been duly filed with SEBI / BSE / NSE as early as 10th Oct. 2008 itself and therefore, if at all any issues were there, those would have been addressed by SEBI during the intervening period and not on 19th Nov. 08 when the proposed transaction window was slated upto 22nd.
“We informed BSE and NSE on Monday 22nd Dec. 2008 that we did not receive such an order primarily with a view to stop speculation on our share price. We did not want any investor to invest in this stock purely based upon the Open Offer when the management had no intention to go through on the Open offer. To our surprise, even after such a declaration filed with BSE and NSE and such a declaration also flashed across major TV channels, a huge volume of transaction took place in our scrip.
“On Monday 22nd Dec. 2008 we did receive the said Order and we immediately started consulting with our Counsel as to the further course of action on the said letter and also we enquired with the courier agency as to why they did not deliver the letter on Saturday – 20th Dec.08 itself. To our surprise, the courier agency mentioned that they had specific instruction from SEBI not to deliver the cover on Saturday and deliver it only on Monday. The courier agency in question (Blue Dart) confirmed the same through an e-mail as well. This surprised us.
“Further, on Tuesday –23rd Dec. 08 we enquired with SEBI’s Take Over department and SEBI came back to us stating that they have not issued any such order. We then called a press conference and demanded a thorough enquiry into the episode and also demanded the BSE / NSE not to go ahead with the pay out on the transactions held on our scrip on 22nd Dec. 2008. We also lodged a criminal complaint with the Commissioner of Police, Chennai requesting the police to investigate the entire affair and the forgery of SEBI’s letter.
“Subsequent enquiries have revealed that a leading public relationship agency and some stock broking houses have called upon press on Saturday 20th Dec. 2008 and in fact, false phone nos. have been given to the press for confirming the said development. The press has published their names as well and also a leading financial daily has tendered apology to us on public platform.
Pyramid Saimira is an aggressive growth oriented organisation and has created huge amount of growth platform in last two years. This has got lot of attention, both wanted and unwanted. Generally, business competitors do try to take advantage of any adverse circumstances. But it is a very rare instance in which adverse circumstances are engineered not on business front, but on perceptions front with a view to tarnish the reputation and image.
“As you are well aware, credibility and reputation built over years of toil and performance could be killed by small malafide or misreporting and it is easy to be negative rather than positive. In the era of mass media, some times truth and honesty gets blurred beyond recognition and it is a sad fact that media’s power and credibility can be misused by “interested parties” with ulterior motive and with surgical precision.
“Fortunately for us, we could detect the entire plan before the end game though out and therefore, we could emerge from this with our reputation enhanced and also have become which more stronger in handling this type of miscommunications.
“While on the subject, I would like to put before you that the company, in my opinion, has soft landed its mammoth growth, reduced leakages, improved systems and processes and has generally used these difficult times to internally consolidate the organisation and externally erect much better and structured entry barriers.
“We feel that our 360º approach, presence in many countries, presence across multiple segments, unique business model, proven executive capabilities and transparent and honest communication approach, we are in good position to consolidate and grow further and make Pyramid Saimira Group as one of the leading entertainment conglomerate in the World.
“I personally believe that every problem carries with it a visiting card for multiple opportunities; every problem is an invitation to a strong person to handle things better and every crisis induced by third parties ultimately turn into garland to good people. It is not the actions of malafide people which will determine the growth impetus and works of good-intentioned people.
“I seek your continued cooperation and support to the Group and assure you that the trust reposed by investors and others will not be misplaced.”
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Dr Singh gives booster dose to Indian Economy
by Ashok Handoo
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has been at every occasion assuring the people of the country that his Government would resort to all policy measures –fiscal, monetary, exchange rate and public spending - to minimize the effect of global economic meltdown on India and that “no instrument of public policy will be spared”. The former Finance Minister Shri P Chidambaram too had also reassured people on the Government’s determination to act.
The present set of fiscal and monetary measures announced by the Government is a part of the same endeavour.
First, the policy measures announced by the RBI Governor Shri D. Subbarao. The cut in benchmark lending rate, the repo rate (the interest it charges from banks for lending money) by a clean 1 percent, from 7.5 to 6.5. It also cut the reverse repo rate (the rate at which it borrows cash from banks) again by 1 percent from 6 to 5 percent. A one percentage point cut in repo rate pumps Rs.40,000 crore into the system.
This is a clear signal to banks to cut lending rates across the board, particularly to the industry, infrastructure, housing, exporters etc,.
This was followed by other measures announced by the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia in the shape of a stimulus package. These included a 4 percent cut in the excise duty and a Rs. 20,000 crore increase in plan expenditure. The purpose is to stimulate growth by raising demand and keeping the consumption levels in the economy high. A cut in excise rates should bring down the prices of most of the manufactured goods. It will, at the same time reduce Government revenue and widen fiscal deficit, but Shri Ahluwalia made it clear that the Government is not worried on this account as it’s priority is to keep the economy going by keeping the domestic demand high. The 4 percent cut is estimated to cost the Government Rs. 8700 crore by way of foregone revenues but part of it could be redeemed if the demand rises. What the Government looses by duty cut, it would make up through larger volumes.
The decision to provide Rs. 4000 crore refinancing facility to the National Housing Bank for lending to housing companies should make available cheaper home loans. Since housing is an activity which involves many manufacturing sectors, this should boost demand in commodities like cement, steel etc,. it will also help keep huge labour force employed in construction work. Bringing bank loans to housing finance firms under the priority sector should also lead to increased supply of home loans.
Other measures announced aim at providing succor to exporters and small scale units. The Government has decided to subsidise interest costs of exporters by up to 2 percentage points subject to a minimum rate of 7 percent per annum. The Government will also provide an additional Rs.1100 crore for full refund of terminal excise duty or CST where ever applicable and another Rs.350 crore for export incentives schemes. This should go a long way in arresting the slump in the export market.
RBI will also pump in Rs.7000 crore into SIDBI to help micro and small units which employ millions of people. The guarantee cover on loans to lending institutions has also been raised from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.
For the textile sector, one of the country’s largest employers and exporters, an additional allocation of Rs.1400 crore will be made to clear backlogs in the technology upgradation scheme. This will help textile units to upgrade to improve competitiveness. Import duty on Naptha has been abolished to bring down costs in this sector.
Government Departments have been allowed to replace vehicles within the budget allocations, in the current financial year.
Prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) announced earlier, has already brought down air fares and the process is continuing.
After all these measures , the two important questions that remain in public mind are whether the prices of goods and services will actually fall and whether loans will actually be available at cheaper rates. As far as the first is concerned some manufacturing companies have announced that they will pass on the benefit of excise cut to the consumers, almost in full measure. In fact some car companies have already effected it. Some companies producing durable consumer products have begun assessing to what extent they can reduce their prices. The former Finance Minister has been trying to persuade the industry all through that they should cut prices rather than production to help the economy to get out of the current crisis. The present fiscal and monetary measures should make them follow this advice more readily.
Regarding reduction in lending rates, some private banks have announced a cut in home loans. Other banks are taking a fresh look on their lending rates for various segments and are expected to come out with a response sooner than later.
A silver lining has been the consistently falling inflation rate which has now come down to around 8 percent. With the fall in petrol and diesel prices, the general price line is bound to fall further as petrol prices constitute an important ingredient of transport costs. We may thus witness a more comfortable inflation rate much too soon.
Industry sector has welcomed the measures though it expects more to defuse the situation. FICCI described the measures as “a good start in the right direction”.
Assocham President, S. Jindal hopes that money will flow into the system to support the projects that have been put on hold.
The terror strikes will invariably affect the tourism industry which is expecting a 25 percent fall in bookings. This is due to the advisories issued by western nations to their citizens about their visits to India.
The Prime Minster who holds the Finance portfolio also, is confident that the country will be able to maintain the growth rate around 8 percent in the current fiscal. The most pessimistic estimates put it at 7 percent. What is important now is that the industry and other sectors of economy respond to government initiatives in full measure and pass on the benefit of price cuts to the consumers. They need to realize that in the current global crisis when international demand is shrinking, it is only the domestic demand that can keep the business going. Fortunately, India with its 1.1 billion population has a huge potential of keeping demand afloat. All they need is the purchasing power which the Government is trying to do by pumping in funds into the system. (PIB Feature)
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.
Monday, December 8, 2008
RBI caution against foreign lottery traps
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advised members of public not to fall prey to
fictitious offers for release of cheap funds claimed to have been remitted by overseas entities to banks in India / Reserve Bank of India. Members of public should also not make any remittance towards participation in such schemes/offers from unknown entities.
Describing the typical modality of such offers, the Reserve Bank of India
stated that certain foreign entities / individuals, including Indian residents acting as representatives of such entities / individuals, make offers through letters / emails,etc., of huge money in foreign currency to resident individuals / entities (including schools / hospitals), on the pretext of helping them in their business / ventures in India. Once the contact is established, the offer is followed by a request seeking details of bank account of the Individuals / Indian entity and asking some amount to be remitted to them as initial deposit / commission so that the offer money could be transferred. Likewise, references have been also received in the Reserve Bank in the recent past from individuals / authorised dealers seeking approvals / clarifications for effecting remittances in foreign currency towards commission / fees for receiving prizes won in overseas lottery schemes etc.
It has also come to the notice of the Reserve Bank that certain overseas organisations have been advising individuals / companies / trusts in India that huge sums of money for disbursal of loans in India at cheap rates has been kept in an account with the Reserve Bank and the funds would be released after approval from the Reserve Bank. To substantiate their claims, even copies of certificate / deposit receipts purported to have been issued by the Reserve Bank are produced by such operators.
The Reserve Bank of India has today clarified that remittance in any form
towards participation in lottery schemes is prohibited under Foreign Exchange
Management Act, 1999. Further, these restrictions are also applicable to remittances
for participation in lottery-like schemes functioning under different names, such as,
money circulation scheme or remittances for the purpose of securing prize money /
awards, etc. The Reserve Bank of India has further clarified that it does not maintain any account in the name of individuals / companies / trusts in India to hold funds for disbursal.
fictitious offers for release of cheap funds claimed to have been remitted by overseas entities to banks in India / Reserve Bank of India. Members of public should also not make any remittance towards participation in such schemes/offers from unknown entities.
Describing the typical modality of such offers, the Reserve Bank of India
stated that certain foreign entities / individuals, including Indian residents acting as representatives of such entities / individuals, make offers through letters / emails,etc., of huge money in foreign currency to resident individuals / entities (including schools / hospitals), on the pretext of helping them in their business / ventures in India. Once the contact is established, the offer is followed by a request seeking details of bank account of the Individuals / Indian entity and asking some amount to be remitted to them as initial deposit / commission so that the offer money could be transferred. Likewise, references have been also received in the Reserve Bank in the recent past from individuals / authorised dealers seeking approvals / clarifications for effecting remittances in foreign currency towards commission / fees for receiving prizes won in overseas lottery schemes etc.
It has also come to the notice of the Reserve Bank that certain overseas organisations have been advising individuals / companies / trusts in India that huge sums of money for disbursal of loans in India at cheap rates has been kept in an account with the Reserve Bank and the funds would be released after approval from the Reserve Bank. To substantiate their claims, even copies of certificate / deposit receipts purported to have been issued by the Reserve Bank are produced by such operators.
The Reserve Bank of India has today clarified that remittance in any form
towards participation in lottery schemes is prohibited under Foreign Exchange
Management Act, 1999. Further, these restrictions are also applicable to remittances
for participation in lottery-like schemes functioning under different names, such as,
money circulation scheme or remittances for the purpose of securing prize money /
awards, etc. The Reserve Bank of India has further clarified that it does not maintain any account in the name of individuals / companies / trusts in India to hold funds for disbursal.
Doctor's prescription to revive Indian Economy
The Manmohan Singh Government has been concerned about the impact of the global financial crisis on the Indian economy and a number of steps have been taken to deal with this problem.
The first priority was to re-assure the people of the stability of the financial system in general and of the safety of bank deposits in particular. To this end, steps were taken to infuse liquidity into the banking system and also to address problems being faced by various non-bank financing companies. These steps have ensured that the financial system is functioning effectively without suffering the kind of loss of confidence experienced in the industrialised world.
Having assured stability of the system, the Government has focussed its attention on countering the impact of the global recession on India's economic growth. On the monetary side, the RBI has sought to pump sufficient liquidity into the banking system to enable bank credit to meet the expanded requirements of the economy keeping in mind the contraction in credit from non-bank sources. Banks have been provided adequate liquidity through a series of reductions in the CRR and additional flexibility in meeting the SLR requirement. Interest rate reductions have also been signalled by reductions in the repo and reverse repo rates, the most recent of which was announced on Saturday when both the repo rate and the reverse repo rate were cut by 100 basis points. Access to external commercial borrowings has also been liberalised so that borrowers capable of accessing funds from abroad are allowed to do so. The banks are being encouraged to counter what might otherwise become self-fulfilling negative expectations by enhanced lending to support economic activity.
These measures in the area of money and credit are being supplemented by fiscal measures designed to stimulate the economy. In recognition of the need for a fiscal stimulus, the government had consciously allowed the fiscal deficit to expand beyond the originally targeted level because of the loan waivers, issue of oil and fertilizer bonds and higher levels of food subsidy. In addition, the following steps are being taken:
1. Plan Expenditure:
In order to provide a contra-cyclical stimulus via plan expenditure, the Government has decided to seek authorisation for additional plan expenditure of upto Rs 20,000 crore in the current year. In addition, steps are being taken to ensure full utilisation of funds already provided, so that the pace of expenditure is maintained. The total spending programme in the balance four months of the current fiscal year, taking plan and non-plan expenditure together is expected to be Rs.300,000 crore.
The economy will continue to need stimulus in 2009-2010 also and this can be achieved by ensuring a substantial increase in plan expenditure as part of the budget for next year.
2. Reduction in Cenvat:
As an immediate measure to encourage additional spending, an across-the-board cut of 4% in the ad valorem Cenvat rate will be effected for the balance part of the current financial year on all products other than petroleum and those where the current rate is less than 4%.
3. Measures to Support Exports
i) Pre and post-shipment export credit for labour intensive exports, i.e., textiles (including handlooms, carpets and handicrafts), leather, gems & jewellery, marine products and SME sector is being made more attractive by providing an interest subvention of 2 percent upto 31/3/2009 subject to minimum rate of interest of 7 percent per annum
ii) Additional funds of Rs.1100 crore will be provided to ensure full refund of Terminal Excise duty/CST.
iii) An additional allocation for export incentive schemes of Rs.350 crore will be made.
iv) Government back-up guarantee will be made available to ECGC to the extent of Rs.350 crore to enable it to provide guarantees for exports to difficult markets/products.
v) Exporters will be allowed refund of service tax on foreign agent commissions of upto 10 percent of FOB value of exports. They will also be allowed refund of service tax on output services while availing of benefits under Duty Drawback Scheme.
4. Housing
Housing is a potentially very important source of employment and demand for critical sectors and there is a large unmet need for housing in the country, especially for middle and low income groups. The Reserve Bank has announced that it will shortly put in place a refinance facility of Rs.4000 crore for the National Housing Bank. In addition, one of the areas where plan expenditure can be increased relatively easily is the Indira Awas Yojana. As a further measure of support for this sector public sector banks will shortly announce a package for borrowers of home loans in two categories: (1) upto Rs.5 lakhs and (2) Rs 5 lakh-Rs 20 lakh. This sector will be kept under a close watch and additional measures would be taken as necessary to promote an accelerated growth trajectory.
5. MSME Sector
The Government attaches the highest priority to supporting the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) sector which is critical for employment generation. To facilitate the flow of credit to MSMEs, RBI has announced a refinance facility of Rs.7000 crore for SIDBI which will be available to support incremental lending, either directly to MSMEs or indirectly via banks, NBFCs and SFCs. In addition, the following steps are being taken.
(a) To boost collateral free lending, the current guarantee cover under Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small enterprises on loans will be extended from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.1 crore with guarantee cover of 50 percent.
(b) The lock in period for loans covered under the existing credit guarantee scheme will be reduced from 24 to 18 months, to encourage banks to cover more loans under the guarantee scheme.
(c) Government will issue an advisory to Central Public Sector Enterprises and request State Public Sector Enterprises to ensure prompt payment of bills of MSMEs. Easing of credit conditions generally should help PSUs to make such payments on schedule.
6. Textiles
(a) An additional allocation of Rs.1400 crore will be made to clear the entire backlog in TUF Scheme.
(b) All items of handicrafts will be included under 'Vishesh Krishi & Gram Udyog Yojana'.
7. Infrastructure Financing
A large number of infrastructure projects are now being cleared for implementation in the Public Private Partnership mode. These projects may experience difficulty in reaching financial closure given the current uncertainties in the financial world. In order to support financing of such projects, Government has decided to authorise the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to raise Rs.10,000 crore through tax-free bonds by 31/3/2009. These funds will be used by IIFCL to refinance bank lending of longer maturity to eligible infrastructure projects, particularly in highways and port sectors. In this way it is expected that IIFCL resources used for refinance can leverage bank financing of double the amount. Depending on need, IIFCL will be permitted to raise further resources by issue of such bonds. In particular, these initiatives will support a PPP programme of Rs.100,000 crore in the highways sector.
8. Others
(a) Government departments will be allowed to take up replacement of government vehicles within the allowed budget, in relaxation of extant economy instructions.
(b) Import Duty on Naphtha for use in the power sector will be eliminated.
(c) Export duty on iron ore fines will be eliminated and on lumps will be reduced to 5%.
The Government is keeping a close watch on the evolving economic situation and will not hesitate to take any additional steps that may be needed to counter recessionary trends and maintain the pace of economic activity.
The first priority was to re-assure the people of the stability of the financial system in general and of the safety of bank deposits in particular. To this end, steps were taken to infuse liquidity into the banking system and also to address problems being faced by various non-bank financing companies. These steps have ensured that the financial system is functioning effectively without suffering the kind of loss of confidence experienced in the industrialised world.
Having assured stability of the system, the Government has focussed its attention on countering the impact of the global recession on India's economic growth. On the monetary side, the RBI has sought to pump sufficient liquidity into the banking system to enable bank credit to meet the expanded requirements of the economy keeping in mind the contraction in credit from non-bank sources. Banks have been provided adequate liquidity through a series of reductions in the CRR and additional flexibility in meeting the SLR requirement. Interest rate reductions have also been signalled by reductions in the repo and reverse repo rates, the most recent of which was announced on Saturday when both the repo rate and the reverse repo rate were cut by 100 basis points. Access to external commercial borrowings has also been liberalised so that borrowers capable of accessing funds from abroad are allowed to do so. The banks are being encouraged to counter what might otherwise become self-fulfilling negative expectations by enhanced lending to support economic activity.
These measures in the area of money and credit are being supplemented by fiscal measures designed to stimulate the economy. In recognition of the need for a fiscal stimulus, the government had consciously allowed the fiscal deficit to expand beyond the originally targeted level because of the loan waivers, issue of oil and fertilizer bonds and higher levels of food subsidy. In addition, the following steps are being taken:
1. Plan Expenditure:
In order to provide a contra-cyclical stimulus via plan expenditure, the Government has decided to seek authorisation for additional plan expenditure of upto Rs 20,000 crore in the current year. In addition, steps are being taken to ensure full utilisation of funds already provided, so that the pace of expenditure is maintained. The total spending programme in the balance four months of the current fiscal year, taking plan and non-plan expenditure together is expected to be Rs.300,000 crore.
The economy will continue to need stimulus in 2009-2010 also and this can be achieved by ensuring a substantial increase in plan expenditure as part of the budget for next year.
2. Reduction in Cenvat:
As an immediate measure to encourage additional spending, an across-the-board cut of 4% in the ad valorem Cenvat rate will be effected for the balance part of the current financial year on all products other than petroleum and those where the current rate is less than 4%.
3. Measures to Support Exports
i) Pre and post-shipment export credit for labour intensive exports, i.e., textiles (including handlooms, carpets and handicrafts), leather, gems & jewellery, marine products and SME sector is being made more attractive by providing an interest subvention of 2 percent upto 31/3/2009 subject to minimum rate of interest of 7 percent per annum
ii) Additional funds of Rs.1100 crore will be provided to ensure full refund of Terminal Excise duty/CST.
iii) An additional allocation for export incentive schemes of Rs.350 crore will be made.
iv) Government back-up guarantee will be made available to ECGC to the extent of Rs.350 crore to enable it to provide guarantees for exports to difficult markets/products.
v) Exporters will be allowed refund of service tax on foreign agent commissions of upto 10 percent of FOB value of exports. They will also be allowed refund of service tax on output services while availing of benefits under Duty Drawback Scheme.
4. Housing
Housing is a potentially very important source of employment and demand for critical sectors and there is a large unmet need for housing in the country, especially for middle and low income groups. The Reserve Bank has announced that it will shortly put in place a refinance facility of Rs.4000 crore for the National Housing Bank. In addition, one of the areas where plan expenditure can be increased relatively easily is the Indira Awas Yojana. As a further measure of support for this sector public sector banks will shortly announce a package for borrowers of home loans in two categories: (1) upto Rs.5 lakhs and (2) Rs 5 lakh-Rs 20 lakh. This sector will be kept under a close watch and additional measures would be taken as necessary to promote an accelerated growth trajectory.
5. MSME Sector
The Government attaches the highest priority to supporting the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) sector which is critical for employment generation. To facilitate the flow of credit to MSMEs, RBI has announced a refinance facility of Rs.7000 crore for SIDBI which will be available to support incremental lending, either directly to MSMEs or indirectly via banks, NBFCs and SFCs. In addition, the following steps are being taken.
(a) To boost collateral free lending, the current guarantee cover under Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small enterprises on loans will be extended from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.1 crore with guarantee cover of 50 percent.
(b) The lock in period for loans covered under the existing credit guarantee scheme will be reduced from 24 to 18 months, to encourage banks to cover more loans under the guarantee scheme.
(c) Government will issue an advisory to Central Public Sector Enterprises and request State Public Sector Enterprises to ensure prompt payment of bills of MSMEs. Easing of credit conditions generally should help PSUs to make such payments on schedule.
6. Textiles
(a) An additional allocation of Rs.1400 crore will be made to clear the entire backlog in TUF Scheme.
(b) All items of handicrafts will be included under 'Vishesh Krishi & Gram Udyog Yojana'.
7. Infrastructure Financing
A large number of infrastructure projects are now being cleared for implementation in the Public Private Partnership mode. These projects may experience difficulty in reaching financial closure given the current uncertainties in the financial world. In order to support financing of such projects, Government has decided to authorise the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to raise Rs.10,000 crore through tax-free bonds by 31/3/2009. These funds will be used by IIFCL to refinance bank lending of longer maturity to eligible infrastructure projects, particularly in highways and port sectors. In this way it is expected that IIFCL resources used for refinance can leverage bank financing of double the amount. Depending on need, IIFCL will be permitted to raise further resources by issue of such bonds. In particular, these initiatives will support a PPP programme of Rs.100,000 crore in the highways sector.
8. Others
(a) Government departments will be allowed to take up replacement of government vehicles within the allowed budget, in relaxation of extant economy instructions.
(b) Import Duty on Naphtha for use in the power sector will be eliminated.
(c) Export duty on iron ore fines will be eliminated and on lumps will be reduced to 5%.
The Government is keeping a close watch on the evolving economic situation and will not hesitate to take any additional steps that may be needed to counter recessionary trends and maintain the pace of economic activity.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Call rates to fall, more of VAS on your mobile
Reliance is offering calls at 50 paise a minute in a prepaid package. Virgin has already offered 10 paise for incoming calls. This is just an indication of the windfall gains that a mobile subscriber can expect in the days to come.
The race among mobile telecommunication service providers translates in to a growing opportunity estimated at more than 700 million by 2012 from the current 300 million, at a CAGR of 21%, says strategic research company IndusView that advises multinational companies on business opportunities emanating from India’s fast growing economy.
IndusView says in an email response that “Communication is a necessity.” “The related costs of owning a handset and usage charges (tariffs) in India are among the lowest in the world. To add to that, the service providers are offering innovative tariff packages even while touching the lowest band and are willing to further lower the packages to bring new subscribers in to their fold,” says Mr. Bundeep Singh Rangar, Chairman of IndusView Advisors Ltd.
Apart from the vanilla voice and text services that the mobile services are widely associated with, the advent of next generation platforms like 3G and progressively 4G, will exponentially accelerate the possibilities of innovative applications that can be bundled on to the networks and delivered at the subscribers' finger tips in the hi-tech mobile handsets, Mr Rangar says.
The subscriber growth targets and evolving technology landscape calls for corresponding high capital investments which is pegged at about $73 billion over the next five years. And, a major chunk of the investment is expected to be realized through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly in the area of mobile communication.
The recent string of investments in Indian telecom companies, including, Tata Teleservices Ltd by NTT DoCoMo, Inc; Unitech Telecom, the telecom arm of India's second largest real estate developer Unitech Ltd by Norwegian telecom firm Telenor ASA, world's seventh largest telecom service provider at $1.36 billion; and Swan Telecom, a start-up GSM telecom service company of a Mumbai-based real estate developer Dynamix Balwas Group by Dubai-based Emirates Telecommunications Corp (Etisalat) at $900 million; or, South Africa's largest telecom company MTN Group's attempts to enter the Indian market are examples of overseas companies that have exhibited confidence in the potential of the Indian market.
Stating that the country’s tele-density has jumped to about 30% now from less than 1% in the 80s, Mr Rangar points out that there is still a large population that needs to be offered the benefits of the basic communication services – that is how the target of achieving a tele-density of about 45% is set for the next five years by the government of India. The service providers – both the state owned and the private sector – would be aiming to surpass that target and garner the maximum possible chunk of that potential subscriber base.
The race among mobile telecommunication service providers translates in to a growing opportunity estimated at more than 700 million by 2012 from the current 300 million, at a CAGR of 21%, says strategic research company IndusView that advises multinational companies on business opportunities emanating from India’s fast growing economy.
IndusView says in an email response that “Communication is a necessity.” “The related costs of owning a handset and usage charges (tariffs) in India are among the lowest in the world. To add to that, the service providers are offering innovative tariff packages even while touching the lowest band and are willing to further lower the packages to bring new subscribers in to their fold,” says Mr. Bundeep Singh Rangar, Chairman of IndusView Advisors Ltd.
Apart from the vanilla voice and text services that the mobile services are widely associated with, the advent of next generation platforms like 3G and progressively 4G, will exponentially accelerate the possibilities of innovative applications that can be bundled on to the networks and delivered at the subscribers' finger tips in the hi-tech mobile handsets, Mr Rangar says.
The subscriber growth targets and evolving technology landscape calls for corresponding high capital investments which is pegged at about $73 billion over the next five years. And, a major chunk of the investment is expected to be realized through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly in the area of mobile communication.
The recent string of investments in Indian telecom companies, including, Tata Teleservices Ltd by NTT DoCoMo, Inc; Unitech Telecom, the telecom arm of India's second largest real estate developer Unitech Ltd by Norwegian telecom firm Telenor ASA, world's seventh largest telecom service provider at $1.36 billion; and Swan Telecom, a start-up GSM telecom service company of a Mumbai-based real estate developer Dynamix Balwas Group by Dubai-based Emirates Telecommunications Corp (Etisalat) at $900 million; or, South Africa's largest telecom company MTN Group's attempts to enter the Indian market are examples of overseas companies that have exhibited confidence in the potential of the Indian market.
Stating that the country’s tele-density has jumped to about 30% now from less than 1% in the 80s, Mr Rangar points out that there is still a large population that needs to be offered the benefits of the basic communication services – that is how the target of achieving a tele-density of about 45% is set for the next five years by the government of India. The service providers – both the state owned and the private sector – would be aiming to surpass that target and garner the maximum possible chunk of that potential subscriber base.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Let's fight the current crisis unitedly, says PM
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today expressed the confidence that India will survive the current global financial crisis and emerge stronger “if we have the imagination, sense of unity and the will to work together as a united nation”.
Addressing the HT Summit 2008 in New Delhi, Dr Singh noted that the global economy is today, going through choppy waters. “Our century I sincerely believe will be shaped by how we respond to the global economic crisis today. If nations look only inwards and imagine that they can solve their problems on their own, they will fail and fall. The world has become more integrated and inter-dependent. In both good and bad, in prosperity and peril, in opportunity and crisis we must recognise the new inter-dependencies of nations and no nation is an island into itself,” he said.
Competitive politics must not be allowed to divide our people on the basis of religion, caste or region. At home and globally we seek an inclusive growth process.
He recalled that at the recent G-20 Summit last week he has urged world leaders to recognise these inter-dependencies and our stake in our collective future. We need a global safety net so that the poor of the world do not pay a price for the profligacy of the rich, and the delinquency of a few.
He said: “Global problems require global solutions. This is the most important lesson of the past century for the present century. But global institutions of governance must be made more inclusive and more representative. The voice of the developing world must be heard in the high councils of global decision-making.”
.
Addressing the HT Summit 2008 in New Delhi, Dr Singh noted that the global economy is today, going through choppy waters. “Our century I sincerely believe will be shaped by how we respond to the global economic crisis today. If nations look only inwards and imagine that they can solve their problems on their own, they will fail and fall. The world has become more integrated and inter-dependent. In both good and bad, in prosperity and peril, in opportunity and crisis we must recognise the new inter-dependencies of nations and no nation is an island into itself,” he said.
Competitive politics must not be allowed to divide our people on the basis of religion, caste or region. At home and globally we seek an inclusive growth process.
He recalled that at the recent G-20 Summit last week he has urged world leaders to recognise these inter-dependencies and our stake in our collective future. We need a global safety net so that the poor of the world do not pay a price for the profligacy of the rich, and the delinquency of a few.
He said: “Global problems require global solutions. This is the most important lesson of the past century for the present century. But global institutions of governance must be made more inclusive and more representative. The voice of the developing world must be heard in the high councils of global decision-making.”
.
Let's fight the current crisis unitedly, says PM
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today expressed the confidence that India will survive the current global financial crisis and emerge stronger “if we have the imagination, sense of unity and the will to work together as a united nation”.
Addressing the HT Summit 2008 in New Delhi, Dr Singh noted that the global economy is today, going through choppy waters. “Our century I sincerely believe will be shaped by how we respond to the global economic crisis today. If nations look only inwards and imagine that they can solve their problems on their own, they will fail and fall. The world has become more integrated and inter-dependent. In both good and bad, in prosperity and peril, in opportunity and crisis we must recognise the new inter-dependencies of nations and no nation is an island into itself,” he said.
Competitive politics must not be allowed to divide our people on the basis of religion, caste or region. At home and globally we seek an inclusive growth process.
He recalled that at the recent G-20 Summit last week he has urged world leaders to recognise these inter-dependencies and our stake in our collective future. We need a global safety net so that the poor of the world do not pay a price for the profligacy of the rich, and the delinquency of a few.
He said: “Global problems require global solutions. This is the most important lesson of the past century for the present century. But global institutions of governance must be made more inclusive and more representative. The voice of the developing world must be heard in the high councils of global decision-making.”
.
Addressing the HT Summit 2008 in New Delhi, Dr Singh noted that the global economy is today, going through choppy waters. “Our century I sincerely believe will be shaped by how we respond to the global economic crisis today. If nations look only inwards and imagine that they can solve their problems on their own, they will fail and fall. The world has become more integrated and inter-dependent. In both good and bad, in prosperity and peril, in opportunity and crisis we must recognise the new inter-dependencies of nations and no nation is an island into itself,” he said.
Competitive politics must not be allowed to divide our people on the basis of religion, caste or region. At home and globally we seek an inclusive growth process.
He recalled that at the recent G-20 Summit last week he has urged world leaders to recognise these inter-dependencies and our stake in our collective future. We need a global safety net so that the poor of the world do not pay a price for the profligacy of the rich, and the delinquency of a few.
He said: “Global problems require global solutions. This is the most important lesson of the past century for the present century. But global institutions of governance must be made more inclusive and more representative. The voice of the developing world must be heard in the high councils of global decision-making.”
.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Giving up on India? U wl repent: Kamal Nath
NEW DELHI: Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath today said that world would benefit tremendously from a stable, large and growing consumer market provided by India and added that this is not the time for foreign investors to give up on India.
"Foreign investors who withdraw equity investments or shelve FDI plans in India will find themselves behind the curve as our economy picks up its 9-10% pace once again," he said addressing the Plenary Session on “Securing Opportunities for Inclusive Growth in India” at the India Economic Summit here.
Kamal Nath pointed out that India’s reform process has allowed millions of poor people to cross the poverty threshold and added that there is still a lot of room for further reforms in key areas such as public private partnerships, financial sector, and taxation, among others. He said that much action remains on the agenda table for integrating further with the global economy and becoming a vital link in the international supply chain of goods and services, funds and capital, and resources and talent.
The 3-day (16-18 November) Summit is being jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and World Economic Forum.
Kamal Nath emphasised that inclusive growth ultimately depends on the productivity of the overall workforce, which in turn is dependent on its education, skill development, technical and professional education, and talent resource levels. India’s workforce numbers around 500 million people and is expected to expand by about 20 million each year for the next ten years. “But 600 million people continue to depend on agriculture as a source of livelihood. While agriculture has been expanding at close to 3% annually, there is need to move people off the land in order to enhance their productivity and increase their incomes”, he added.
Speaking about India’s engagement with the world, he said that India’s total exports in 2004-05 was at $ 83.5 billion, whereas in 2007-08, it exceeded the targets and achieved a doubling of trade to $163 billion and this year, for the period April to September export growth was 31% over the same period last year. At the same time, we continue to be a solid market for overseas goods, he underlined and added that India’s imports have gone up from $ 112 billion in 2004-05 to $ 251 billion in 2007-08 and non-oil imports increased at a rapid clip of 43%. “When we include export and import of services, our external engagement can be placed at over $ 525 billion for the past year, which adds up to more than half of GDP. This is unprecedented in India’s modern economic history”, he said
"Foreign investors who withdraw equity investments or shelve FDI plans in India will find themselves behind the curve as our economy picks up its 9-10% pace once again," he said addressing the Plenary Session on “Securing Opportunities for Inclusive Growth in India” at the India Economic Summit here.
Kamal Nath pointed out that India’s reform process has allowed millions of poor people to cross the poverty threshold and added that there is still a lot of room for further reforms in key areas such as public private partnerships, financial sector, and taxation, among others. He said that much action remains on the agenda table for integrating further with the global economy and becoming a vital link in the international supply chain of goods and services, funds and capital, and resources and talent.
The 3-day (16-18 November) Summit is being jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and World Economic Forum.
Kamal Nath emphasised that inclusive growth ultimately depends on the productivity of the overall workforce, which in turn is dependent on its education, skill development, technical and professional education, and talent resource levels. India’s workforce numbers around 500 million people and is expected to expand by about 20 million each year for the next ten years. “But 600 million people continue to depend on agriculture as a source of livelihood. While agriculture has been expanding at close to 3% annually, there is need to move people off the land in order to enhance their productivity and increase their incomes”, he added.
Speaking about India’s engagement with the world, he said that India’s total exports in 2004-05 was at $ 83.5 billion, whereas in 2007-08, it exceeded the targets and achieved a doubling of trade to $163 billion and this year, for the period April to September export growth was 31% over the same period last year. At the same time, we continue to be a solid market for overseas goods, he underlined and added that India’s imports have gone up from $ 112 billion in 2004-05 to $ 251 billion in 2007-08 and non-oil imports increased at a rapid clip of 43%. “When we include export and import of services, our external engagement can be placed at over $ 525 billion for the past year, which adds up to more than half of GDP. This is unprecedented in India’s modern economic history”, he said
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tata tele valuation set to rise; Docomo comes in with Rs 13,070 cr
NTT Docomo (Docomo), Tata Teleservices (TTSL) and Tata Sons — the prime promoter for Tata companies including TTSL — today announced their agreement on a strategic alliance in India, under which Docomo will acquire 26-per cent of TTSL’s stock for approximately Rs13,070 crore ($2.7 billion).
In addition, Docomo, in accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, expects to make an open offer to acquire up to 20 per cent of outstanding equity shares of Tata Teleservices Maharashtra (TTML), a Tata telecommunication company, through a joint tender offer along with Tata Sons.
As a result of the capital alliance, the partners expect to expand mobile communication operations in the fast-growing Indian mobile market, aiming to increase operating revenue and achieve steady business growth.
TTSL and TTML, both based in Mumbai, are telecommunications units of the Tata group, India’s largest conglomerate in terms of operating revenues. Both companies have high-quality wireless networks spanning the entire country and also have a large number of retail stores and customer-service outlets. TTSL and TTML have rapidly increased their combined share of the fast-growing Indian mobile market. They are rapidly expanding their subscriber bases, which currently stand at over 30 million combined.
Tokyo-based Docomo, the world’s leading mobile operator, has played a major role in the evolution of mobile telecommunications through its development of cutting-edge technologies and services. The company is a strong market leader used by over 50 per cent of Japan’s mobile phone users. Docomo will work closely with TTSL’s management and provide know-how to help the company develop its mobile business. TTSL expects to leverage Docomo’s expertise in the development and delivery of value-added services, where Docomo is a firmly established market leader.
In addition, Docomo, in accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, expects to make an open offer to acquire up to 20 per cent of outstanding equity shares of Tata Teleservices Maharashtra (TTML), a Tata telecommunication company, through a joint tender offer along with Tata Sons.
As a result of the capital alliance, the partners expect to expand mobile communication operations in the fast-growing Indian mobile market, aiming to increase operating revenue and achieve steady business growth.
TTSL and TTML, both based in Mumbai, are telecommunications units of the Tata group, India’s largest conglomerate in terms of operating revenues. Both companies have high-quality wireless networks spanning the entire country and also have a large number of retail stores and customer-service outlets. TTSL and TTML have rapidly increased their combined share of the fast-growing Indian mobile market. They are rapidly expanding their subscriber bases, which currently stand at over 30 million combined.
Tokyo-based Docomo, the world’s leading mobile operator, has played a major role in the evolution of mobile telecommunications through its development of cutting-edge technologies and services. The company is a strong market leader used by over 50 per cent of Japan’s mobile phone users. Docomo will work closely with TTSL’s management and provide know-how to help the company develop its mobile business. TTSL expects to leverage Docomo’s expertise in the development and delivery of value-added services, where Docomo is a firmly established market leader.
Obama rings up Manmohan
In development that may have far-reaching impact on Indo-US investments, President-elect of the United States Mr. Barack Obama called the Prime Minister this morning. The Prime Minister congratulated him warmly and said that his historic victory was a source of inspiration for oppressed people all over the world.
President-elect Obama praised the Prime Minister’s contribution to the progress of India both as Minister of Finance earlier and now as Prime Minister. He said that the US-India strategic relationship was a very important partnership and that the new administration wanted to work together with India on all important global issues.
The Prime Minister said that relations between India and the United States were very good but that we could not be satisfied with the status quo. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for the success of the new administration in meeting the enormous challenges that face the world and invited the President-elect and Mrs. Obama to visit India . He said that a warm welcome awaited them. The President-elect said that he wished to make an early visit to India
President-elect Obama praised the Prime Minister’s contribution to the progress of India both as Minister of Finance earlier and now as Prime Minister. He said that the US-India strategic relationship was a very important partnership and that the new administration wanted to work together with India on all important global issues.
The Prime Minister said that relations between India and the United States were very good but that we could not be satisfied with the status quo. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for the success of the new administration in meeting the enormous challenges that face the world and invited the President-elect and Mrs. Obama to visit India . He said that a warm welcome awaited them. The President-elect said that he wished to make an early visit to India
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Indian Economy can survive global crisis
by S. Sethuraman**
India has taken an array of monetary and fiscal measures, in quick succession, to contain inflationary pressures - with the annual rate already moderating from around 13 per cent in August to 10.72 per cent by the end of October - and, more importantly, to make available adequate domestic resources to maintain growth in the face of an unprecedented international financial crisis and global economy drifting into recession.
The Reserve Bank had, within four weeks in October, lowered reserve ratios and reduced a key interest rate to provide some 250,000 crores of liquidity for banks to finance businesses and consumers. These measures, welcomed by the industry and other productive sectors, have helped to impart a sense of confidence about India‘s ability to weather the global storm.
Growth Momentum:Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh remains focussed on seeing that the Indian economy does not get unduly affected by the adverse developments abroad. He has appealed to the industry and the country in general to turn the crisis in the world economy into an opportunity to ensure that India comes out of the global crisis with its fundamentals unimpaired, protecting employment.
What gives confidence and strength to the Indian economy is its sound financial sector with its well-regulated and well-capitalised banking system, the sustained growth in deposit accretion and credit flows, and assured safety for depositors, the global competitiveness of its manufacturing and services, high savings and investment rates and a comfortable level of foreign exchange reserves which could be drawn to make up for any shortfalls in capital inflows.
The Finance Minister Shri P Chidambaram has urged banks to lower interest rates, in the light of the steps taken by RBI both on liquidity and interest rate, and several public sector banks have already announced plans on reducing their prime lending rates. Banks have been asked to increase credit for productive purposes and ensure credit quality. RBI has also suggested to banks to restructure the dues of small and medium enterprises on merits.
There is general expectation that inflation would continue to moderate - especially now that global prices of oil (though still volatile) and commodities have sharply declined from their high levels in the first half of 2008 - and RBI projects that the annual rate of inflation would be down to 7 per cent by March 2009. India can well maintain growth at not less than 7 to 7.5 per cent, as the Prime Minister pointed out, despite some adverse impact on trade and capital flows which all countries have begun to experience in these uncertain times. Even at 7.5 per cent, India will remain the second fastest growing economy.
Given the unsettled conditions in global markets, the Prime Minister has set up an high-powered group chaired by him to closely monitor the evolving macro-economic situation so that growth momentum is sustained at reasonable rates. A committee of senior officials would keep a day-to-day track of trends.
Monetary & Fiscal Measures: The Reserve Bank of India had vigorously moved in October to bring down the cash reserve ratio from a peak of 9 per cent to 5.5 per cent, reduce the key policy interest rate (repo) from 9 to 7.5 per cent and also the statutory liquidity ratio by one percentage point to 24 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities. These were all designed to inject massive doses of liquidity to the banking system which in any case has been recording a higher credit growth in the current year. Nevertheless, when there was some liquidity constraint experienced by money markets and the foreign exchange market also coming under demand pressures, RBI had to intervene with remedial measures.
As part of measures to minimise the adverse impact of global crisis on domestic economy, the Finance Minister has reduced certain duties to give relief to some of the affected sectors like steel and aviation. On the budgetary side, higher allocations for social sectors and rural employment and other flagship programmes should generate consumption which contributes to economy’s growth. Most corporates including in the I T sector and banks have managed to maintain profitability, though somewhat lower than expected, in the second quarter (July-September), and the recent government measures on liquidity and interest rates should help to sustain business confidence.
Monetary policy has moved away from continued tightening, in the days of inflation climbing during 2008, to a significant easing of curbs with the steady moderation in the annual rate of inflation after peaking at 12.65 per cent in August. It had since been coming down over recent weeks and stood at 10.72 per cent in the week ended October 25. While the fall in inflation rate has been facilitated by the sharp drop in global prices of oil, food and other commodities as well as domestic supply management, the oil market remains volatile. Taking crop prospects and other domestic factors into account, RBI continues its monetary policy stance of maintaining growth with price stability as well as orderly conditions in financial markets.
Macro-Economic Management: India has to summon all its abilities at macro-economic management because of the extraordinary global situation in which there is weakening of global demand and likely interruption in external capital flows. So far, there have been only ripple effects on the economy and exports in the first half of the fiscal year (April-September) have recorded a robust 35 per cent growth. But oil imports at higher prices have pushed up the import bill and trade deficit is widening. There was some ‘knock-on’ on financial markets but there is no longer any sign of liquidity tightening with the measures taken.
Many developing and leading emerging economies including China and Korea have come under strain and some of the poorer countries face risks of economic disruption because of fiscal and balance of payments difficulties. China’s growth, largely export-led hitherto, has also slowed down and it is reorienting its policies to promote greater domestic consumption with the weakening of external demand especially from USA and Europe due to recessionary conditions there. India’s exports can be maintained without loss of momentum in the latter half of the year with greater focus on products and growth markets, especially with the exchange rate which has depreciated in relation to the dollar.
While there has been an outflow of foreign portfolio investments of the order of 10 billion dollars, India continues to attract foreign direct investment which totalled an impressive 17.66 billion dollars in the first six months, April to September, compared to 7.25 billion in the corresponding period of last year. There has been some draw down on our reserves to meet imports and other payments. With its sound management and continued liberalisation, India continues to be an attractive investment destination, especially if investors have to seek avenues away from the recession-hit developed nations. (PIB Features)
*Freelance Journalist
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.
India has taken an array of monetary and fiscal measures, in quick succession, to contain inflationary pressures - with the annual rate already moderating from around 13 per cent in August to 10.72 per cent by the end of October - and, more importantly, to make available adequate domestic resources to maintain growth in the face of an unprecedented international financial crisis and global economy drifting into recession.
The Reserve Bank had, within four weeks in October, lowered reserve ratios and reduced a key interest rate to provide some 250,000 crores of liquidity for banks to finance businesses and consumers. These measures, welcomed by the industry and other productive sectors, have helped to impart a sense of confidence about India‘s ability to weather the global storm.
Growth Momentum:Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh remains focussed on seeing that the Indian economy does not get unduly affected by the adverse developments abroad. He has appealed to the industry and the country in general to turn the crisis in the world economy into an opportunity to ensure that India comes out of the global crisis with its fundamentals unimpaired, protecting employment.
What gives confidence and strength to the Indian economy is its sound financial sector with its well-regulated and well-capitalised banking system, the sustained growth in deposit accretion and credit flows, and assured safety for depositors, the global competitiveness of its manufacturing and services, high savings and investment rates and a comfortable level of foreign exchange reserves which could be drawn to make up for any shortfalls in capital inflows.
The Finance Minister Shri P Chidambaram has urged banks to lower interest rates, in the light of the steps taken by RBI both on liquidity and interest rate, and several public sector banks have already announced plans on reducing their prime lending rates. Banks have been asked to increase credit for productive purposes and ensure credit quality. RBI has also suggested to banks to restructure the dues of small and medium enterprises on merits.
There is general expectation that inflation would continue to moderate - especially now that global prices of oil (though still volatile) and commodities have sharply declined from their high levels in the first half of 2008 - and RBI projects that the annual rate of inflation would be down to 7 per cent by March 2009. India can well maintain growth at not less than 7 to 7.5 per cent, as the Prime Minister pointed out, despite some adverse impact on trade and capital flows which all countries have begun to experience in these uncertain times. Even at 7.5 per cent, India will remain the second fastest growing economy.
Given the unsettled conditions in global markets, the Prime Minister has set up an high-powered group chaired by him to closely monitor the evolving macro-economic situation so that growth momentum is sustained at reasonable rates. A committee of senior officials would keep a day-to-day track of trends.
Monetary & Fiscal Measures: The Reserve Bank of India had vigorously moved in October to bring down the cash reserve ratio from a peak of 9 per cent to 5.5 per cent, reduce the key policy interest rate (repo) from 9 to 7.5 per cent and also the statutory liquidity ratio by one percentage point to 24 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities. These were all designed to inject massive doses of liquidity to the banking system which in any case has been recording a higher credit growth in the current year. Nevertheless, when there was some liquidity constraint experienced by money markets and the foreign exchange market also coming under demand pressures, RBI had to intervene with remedial measures.
As part of measures to minimise the adverse impact of global crisis on domestic economy, the Finance Minister has reduced certain duties to give relief to some of the affected sectors like steel and aviation. On the budgetary side, higher allocations for social sectors and rural employment and other flagship programmes should generate consumption which contributes to economy’s growth. Most corporates including in the I T sector and banks have managed to maintain profitability, though somewhat lower than expected, in the second quarter (July-September), and the recent government measures on liquidity and interest rates should help to sustain business confidence.
Monetary policy has moved away from continued tightening, in the days of inflation climbing during 2008, to a significant easing of curbs with the steady moderation in the annual rate of inflation after peaking at 12.65 per cent in August. It had since been coming down over recent weeks and stood at 10.72 per cent in the week ended October 25. While the fall in inflation rate has been facilitated by the sharp drop in global prices of oil, food and other commodities as well as domestic supply management, the oil market remains volatile. Taking crop prospects and other domestic factors into account, RBI continues its monetary policy stance of maintaining growth with price stability as well as orderly conditions in financial markets.
Macro-Economic Management: India has to summon all its abilities at macro-economic management because of the extraordinary global situation in which there is weakening of global demand and likely interruption in external capital flows. So far, there have been only ripple effects on the economy and exports in the first half of the fiscal year (April-September) have recorded a robust 35 per cent growth. But oil imports at higher prices have pushed up the import bill and trade deficit is widening. There was some ‘knock-on’ on financial markets but there is no longer any sign of liquidity tightening with the measures taken.
Many developing and leading emerging economies including China and Korea have come under strain and some of the poorer countries face risks of economic disruption because of fiscal and balance of payments difficulties. China’s growth, largely export-led hitherto, has also slowed down and it is reorienting its policies to promote greater domestic consumption with the weakening of external demand especially from USA and Europe due to recessionary conditions there. India’s exports can be maintained without loss of momentum in the latter half of the year with greater focus on products and growth markets, especially with the exchange rate which has depreciated in relation to the dollar.
While there has been an outflow of foreign portfolio investments of the order of 10 billion dollars, India continues to attract foreign direct investment which totalled an impressive 17.66 billion dollars in the first six months, April to September, compared to 7.25 billion in the corresponding period of last year. There has been some draw down on our reserves to meet imports and other payments. With its sound management and continued liberalisation, India continues to be an attractive investment destination, especially if investors have to seek avenues away from the recession-hit developed nations. (PIB Features)
*Freelance Journalist
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.
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