DMPQ- The estimated growth of 7.53% in ‘nominal’ terms is the lowest since 1975-76. Also, this is the first time since 2002-03 that nominal GDP growth is projected to be in single digits. Why is this a major concern?

National Statistical Office (NSO) released the first advance estimates of the national income that projected growth in India’s GDP at market prices for 2019-20 at 4.98% in “real” terms, the lowest since the 3.89% in the global financial crisis year of 2008-09. But even more significant was the estimated growth of 7.53% in “nominal” terms, which is the lowest since the 7.35% for 1975-76.

This is concern because of the following reason:

• The growth rate is against the target of 5 trillion economy by 2024. Minimum growth rate of 12% is required to achieve the target.
• It shows slower growth rate of Production and Prices.
• Low prices means low salaries and hence low investment.
• The low nominal GDP growth rate means low taxes and hence small room for Government to work.
• The government will be under more pressure to adhere to the fiscal deficit target.