Wednesday, 31 December 2014

Welcome new year with new zeal

2014 has come to an end. Let us hope, 2015 will be better for us, the country and economy. It is expected that counter-views for or against high interest rates will provide some good results. We are already seeing falling rates for deposits and expect them to be translated into lower lending rates. All this is happening with Reserve Bank is maintaining the key rates unchanged. Govt. is expected to come out with aggressive divestment program to reduce the say of Govt. machinery in PSUs. Further, we expect rationalization of subsidies and expect indirect tax rates to go down. We also expect that Large corporates will reduce their debt  and pay off their suppliers in time to get a bargaining strength to reduce the cost of supplies. We also expect that the Govt. will provide incentives to individuals and corporate sector to invest in financial products rather than in Gold and real estate. Above all, we expect the bankers being able to recover old debts by selling off assets. We also expect that no restaurant, hotel or merchant establishment refuse to honour card payments. In other words, We expect various stakeholders more disciplined and responsible.

All these are hopes and hope them to be turned into reality. 

Friday, 12 December 2014

Need for restructuring Indian economy

Indian economy needs serious restructuring. We have lot of elements leading to high cost structure in the economy. Our roads are in bad condition, The improved highways too does not contribute in lowering the cost due to high toll structures and wastage of time and fuel at toll plazas. We have one of the highest indirect structure in the world. Even much touted GST has highest tax rate at 27%. Moreover, the entry barriers discourage the new entrepreneurs and obstruct the competition.

High interest cost for infrastructure and capital intensive projects are also lead to high cost structure. High dependence on debt by corporate entities is also detrimental to economy as any downturn in business fortune make them sick. This leads to stress on our banking system too. 

Higher equity component in business leads as a cushion in business.

Our planners, business houses, administrators need to thrash out the problems. Privatisation should not lead to burden on banks. Let promoters bring their own equity, if want to enter the infrastructure sector.