- Credit Growth: All scheduled commercial banks' (ASCB’s)
credit growth (year-on-year) has been accelerating since early 2022. Aggregate deposits grew by 13.2% and credit by 20% till September. In the coming months, we expect credit demand to remain robust due to the festive season.
- Significant Growth in Credit: Over the nine-year period ending in March, there has been substantial growth in both assets and liabilities of banks (ASCB) in India, amounting to Rs 186 lakh crore.This growth is significantly higher than the previous decade, which saw an incremental growth of Rs 119 lakh crore.If the trends continue in 2023-24, the total growth for the current decade could reach Rs 225 lakh crore, marking a 1.9-fold increase from the last decade.
- Formalization of the Economy: The growth in credit is attributed to the formalization of the Indian economy over the past decade. People with no previous credit history are increasingly becoming integrated with the banking system.Approximately 40% of new credit accounts added in the last nine years are from individuals who had no prior credit history.This group contributes to at least 10% of the incremental credit growth.
- Government Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)
and Jan Dhan Yojana
have played a role in extending financial access to households that were previously outside the formal banking sector.These initiatives, along with the aspirations of such households, are contributing to sustained credit growth.
- Reaping the Demographic Dividend: India has a large and young population that can provide a huge potential workforce for the economy. However, this also requires creating enough jobs, improving the quality of education and skills, and increasing the labor force participation, especially of women.
- Boosting Private Investment: Private investment is a key driver of economic growth, as it increases productivity, innovation and competitiveness. The government has taken several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business, reduce corporate tax, provide credit guarantees, and attract foreign direct investment.However, more reforms are needed in areas such as land, labor and logistics to reduce the cost and risk of doing business in India.
- Increasing Competitiveness: India needs to enhance its competitiveness in the global market by diversifying its exports, improving its infrastructure, promoting innovation and digitalization, and integrating with regional and global value chains.The government has announced several schemes to support manufacturing, such as Production Linked Incentive (PLI)
, Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP)
, and Make in India.However, these schemes need to be complemented by trade liberalization and regulatory simplification to ensure a level playing field for domestic and foreign firms.
- Promoting Green Growth: India has committed to reduce its carbon intensity and increase its renewable energy
capacity as part of its climate change goals.
The government has also introduced green bonds to finance green infrastructure projects.However, more efforts are needed to address the environmental challenges such as air pollution, water scarcity, waste management and biodiversity loss that pose a threat to India’s growth and well-being.
- Maintain Stability in the Economy: India could maintain a stable and low inflation rate, which can foster confidence and investment. India could also ensure adequate liquidity and credit availability for productive sectors, especially for small and medium enterprises. India could also develop its financial markets and institutions to facilitate savings and investment.
- Increase Integration with the Global Economy: India could increase its integration with the global economy by reducing trade barriers, diversifying its export basket, and enhancing its competitiveness. India could also pursue regional and bilateral trade agreements that can create new markets and opportunities for its products and services.
- Promote the Key Sectors: India could promote the development of key sectors that have high potential for growth, employment, and innovation, such as manufacturing, services, agriculture, and renewable energy.
India's economic prospects for the fiscal year 2023-24 are characterized by optimism and a promising growth trajectory. Various factors, including favorable monsoon patterns, increased capital expenditure, robust new company registrations, and sustained credit growth, contribute to this positive outlook. Furthermore, government initiatives have formalized the economy and extended financial access to previously underserved segments. To ensure the continued robust and sustainable growth of the Indian economy, a strategic approach encompassing fiscal, monetary, trade, industrial, and institutional policies is crucial. This comprehensive strategy can further unlock India's immense economic potential and support its journey towards prosperity