Economic Policy reforms in India

It addresses topics such as industrial and labour policy, monetary and fiscal policy, privatisation, and the role of economic planning.

The following is a synopsis of the topics mentioned above. While studying, make sure to thoroughly cover these topics.

Economic reforms in India refer to the neoliberal policies implemented by the Narsimha-Rao government in 1991, when India was experiencing a severe economic crisis as a result of external debt. The revenues generated by the government were insufficient to cover the expenses. As a result, it was forced to borrow heavily from foreign banks in order to repay the debt.

New Economic reforms in India

Liberalization:

Liberalization was conceived with the idea that any regulations or restrictions imposed on free trade must be relaxed in order for trade to take place. It enabled the opening of economic borders to foreign investments and MNCs. Several economic reforms were imposed as part of Liberalization, including the expansion of production capacity, the de-servicing of producing areas, the abolition of government industrial licensing, and the freedom to import goods.

Privatization:

Privatization refers to giving the private sector more opportunities to regulate various services while reducing the role of the public sector (government-owned enterprises) in them. FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) was introduced in India with privatisation, providing healthy competition to Indian goods and services.

Globalization:

Globalization refers to the integration of the Indian economy with the global economy in the context of economic reforms. It means that India’s economy will now be dependent on the global economy and vice versa. It promotes FDI and foreign trade with various countries.

Features of New Economic in India

Economic reforms are defined as policy changes that aim to improve a country’s economic efficiency. Economic reforms are primarily required to address distortions caused by international regulations or by the government. Economic reforms occur when there is deregulation or when the size of the government is reduced. It is also accomplished by removing or reducing market distortions in specific sectors of the economy. 

Economic reforms include changes to broad-based policies such as taxation and competition. These reforms are aimed at increasing economic efficiency rather than eradicating other issues such as unemployment or equity growth.

Major Highlights of India’s Economic Reforms

1. During the reform period, the service sector expanded, while the agriculture sector declined and the industrial sector fluctuated.

1. The opening of the Indian economy resulted in a significant increase in FDIs and foreign exchange reserves.

1. Foreign institutional investment and direct investment are included in this category of foreign investment.

1. During the reform period, India was a successful exporter of engineering goods, auto parts, IT software, and textiles.

1. Price increases were also kept under control during the reforms.

Failures of India’s Economic Reforms

1. The agriculture sector was neglected, and public investment in this sector was reduced, affecting infrastructure areas.

1. Subsidies on fertilisers were removed, resulting in an increase in production costs that impacted many marginal and small farmers.

1. Furthermore, many policies were implemented that reduced import duties on agricultural products, lowered the minimum support price, and increased the threat of international organisations competing with local farmers.

1. The industrial sector grew in an uneven manner.

1. As a result of the lower cost of imports, demand for industrial goods decreased.

1. Globalization, which allowed for free trade between countries, had a negative impact on local industries and, as a result, on job opportunities.

1. Economic colonialism increased as a result of the reforms.

1. It also resulted in the deterioration of culture.

1. Many infrastructure investments, such as power supply, were insufficient.

Objectives of New Economic Policy

The NEP’s goal was to reduce inflation rates and accumulate sufficient foreign currency reserves in order to boost the country’s economic growth rate.

The main goal is to bring the Indian economy into the ‘globalisation’ arena and provide it with a new market direction.

Its goal was to achieve economic stability and a market economy by eliminating all unnecessary regulations.

It urged private actors in all sectors of the economy to become more involved. As a result, the number of people working in the reserved government sector has decreased.

It aimed to enable the global movement of products, services, capital, people resources, and technology without many constraints.

Conclusion

Economic Reforms in India are covered in the ESI section of the RBI Grade B Phase II exam. It addresses topics such as industrial and labour policy, monetary and fiscal policy, privatisation, and the role of economic planning. Economic reforms in India refer to the neoliberal policies implemented by the Narsimha-Rao government in 1991, when India was experiencing a severe economic crisis as a result of external debt. It enabled the opening of economic borders to foreign investments and MNCs. Several economic reforms were imposed as part of Liberalization, including the expansion of production capacity, the de-servicing of producing areas, the abolition of government industrial licensing, and the freedom to import goods.