COVID-19 and Its Impact On The Indian Economy
COVID-19 and Its Impact On The Indian Economy
COVID-19 and Its Impact On The Indian Economy
Vision
25(1) 23–35, 2021
COVID-19 and Its Impact on the © 2021 MDI
Abstract
Pessimism looms large all over. COVID-19 has been projected as worse than the Great Depression of 1930. Everyday analyst and
agency reports are diving into new bottoms of a fall-down in economic activities. Indian economy, however, has a slightly different
story to tell at this hour of crisis. The silver lining for the Indian economy comes from a steep fall in the crude oil prices from around
$70 per barrel to a record 18 years low of $22 per barrel. This windfall gain can, to some extent, offset the direct losses due to
COVID-19. At the same time, dreams like a $5 trillion economy no longer look even a remote possibility. This article takes stock of
the likely impact of COVID-19 on the Indian economy in the short term and the long term. A decision-tree approach has been adopted
for doing the projections.
Key Words
Economics, Economics and Strategy, Home Economics, Macroeconomics
Corresponding author:
Shirish S. Raibagkar, Smita Sadan, Behind Suyog Apartments, Sona Nagar, Savedi Road, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 414 001, India.
E-mail: [email protected]
24 Vision 25(1)
A 3.5% hit to the $80 trillion world economy means $2.8 Stocks across the globe have taken a big hit especially
trillion which was the exact size of the entire Indian economy in March 2020 as more information came about the depth
in 2018–2019, the world’s fifth largest (India Today, 2019). and the width of the pandemic (Figure 2).
The vicious circle leading to economic depression has set on The last 6-month crude oil price per barrel (in USD) has
a roll. Lower consumption, reduced demand, falling prices, shown a steep fall (Figure 3). The fall in the price is as high
supply cut, job cuts, lower spending, lower consumption— as 58.39% and is very steep in March 2020.
all the blocks look like a perfect fit. Recent predictions about The rate of claims by the jobless in the US was hovering
the gloomy prospects for the world economy from some of around 0 mark till 15 March 2020. But after just few days,
the big names are shown in Table 1. it shot up to 4,000 and was slated to be double in the next
15 days (Figure 4).
What we understand is that the numbers shown and
Key Global Indicators of the Fear
discussed above are only an initial reaction. The real punch
There has already been a strong initial knee-jerk reaction in is yet to come and as per some of the analysts that will be
the global economy as things started unfolding. felt by June–July 2020.
Barbate et al. 25
The forecasting model is shown in Figure 5 for quick dramatically given the range of possibilities for 2020–
understanding. 2021. A decision-tree model can be adopted considering
three pessimistic situations: moderate, average and severe.
The choice of three options for a decision tree is based Probability estimates for these three scenarios at this point
more on the convention of taking three splits for the root in time (April 2020) can be taken as 0.33 each. The cuts in
(Hoare, 2020). More number of options can be taken. the GDP growth rates for the three scenarios can be taken
However, for convenience in calculations, the convention as −2%, −4% and −6%, respectively, for moderate, average
is to take three options. and severe pessimistic situations. Taking into account these
scenarios, their probabilities and the expected outcome,
decision-tree structure, as shown in Figure 6, emerges.
Results: Assessment of the Impact Aggregating the three EVs, −0.66%, −1.32% and
GDP Growth Rate −1.98%, the expected cut in the GDP growth rate forecast
for 2020–2021 is −3.96%. Adding this to the average of the
Estimates for 2020–2021 10 expert projections, the adjusted GDP growth forecast
A number of research agencies, financial institutions and for the Indian economy for 2020–2021 comes to 3.41% −
experts have given a forecast of India’s GDP growth rate for 3.96% = −0.55%. Thus, there is all likelihood that the GDP
2020–2021. Table 2 presents a summary of these estimates. for 2020–2021 might remain flat if not turn southwards.
Correction of these forecasts: All these forecasts were
corrected by applying weights of 3 for April 2020 reports, Estimation for the Next 5 Years
2 for March 2020 reports and 1 for February 2020 and An important factor influencing the GDP projections for
earlier period reports, as shown in Table 3. the next 5 years is the likely recovery rate. Three such
The weighted average rate for these 10 forecasts comes scenarios with equal probabilities can be considered as
to 3.41% (0.818/24). These numbers can change strong, moderate and weak recovery. For a strong recovery,
Table 2. India’s GDP Growth Rate Forecast by Some Leading Agencies
Sr. No. Agency Date of Report Indian GDP Growth Rate Forecast for 2020–21
1 ICRA (Noronha, 2020a) 7 April 2020 2%
2 Fitch (PTI, 2020a) 10 April 2020 2%
3 ADB (Noronha, 2020b) 3 April 2020 4%
4 S&P (Business Line, 2020) 23 March 2020 5.2%
5 The UN Economic and Social Survey of Asia and 9 April 2020 4.8%
the Pacific (ESCAP) 2020, (PTI, 2020c)
6 Goldman Sachs (The Economic Times, 2020b) 8 April 2020 1.6%
7 India Ratings (Sinha, 2020) 31 March 2020 3.6%
8 Moodys (ET Bureau, 2020) 27 March 2020 2.5%
9 CRISIL (PTI, 2020b) 20 March 2020 5.2%
10 Economic Research (NCAER) (The Economic 21 February 2020 5.6%
Times, 2020c)
Source: Compiled by authors.
Table 3. India’s GDP Growth Rate Forecast (Corrected) by Some Leading Agencies
Figure 6. Decision Tree for GDP Growth Rate Cut for 2020–2021
Source: Compiled by authors.
a positive average growth rate of 2% per year can be A decision-tree model can be adopted considering three
assumed. For a moderate recovery, a positive average pessimistic situations: moderate, average and severe.
growth rate of 1% per year can be assumed. For a weak Probability estimates for these three scenarios at this point
recovery, a positive average growth rate of 0.50% per year in time (April 2020) can be taken as 0.33 each. The
can be assumed. Likely situation under these three increment in the unemployment rates for the three scenarios
scenarios of recovery are shown in Figure 7. can be taken as 2%, 6% and 12%, respectively, for
If the recovery is strong, in the year 2024–2025, the moderate, average and severe pessimistic situations.
growth rate might reach up to 7.45%. If the recovery is Taking into account these scenarios, their probabilities and
moderate, in the year 2024–2025, the growth rate might the expected outcome, a decision-tree structure emerges, as
reach up to 3.45%. If the recovery is weak, in the year shown in Figure 9.
2024–2025, the growth rate might reach up to 1.45%. Aggregating the three EVs, 0.66%, 1.98% and 3.96%, the
expected increment in the unemployment rate forecast for
Unemployment Rate 2020–2021 is 6.60%. Adding this to the current rate of
unemployment of 13.53%, the adjusted average unemploy-
Estimates for 2020–2021 ment forecast for the Indian economy for 2020–2021 comes
The recent past has shown a sudden spurt in the to 13.53% + 6.60% = 20.13%. Thus, there is all likelihood
unemployment rate, as shown in Figure 8. that the unemployment rate for 2020–2021 might cross 20%.
Barbate et al. 29
Figure 9. Decision Tree for the Unemployment Rate for 2020–2021
Source: Compiled by authors.
itself has taken a major beating and is expected to keep the Supply rationing from government will also have limita-
prices under check. At the same time, government has tions, and, hence, normalcy in the supply chain will only
aggressively launched supplies of essential food items ensure that the inflation is kept under check.
through rationing and other sources, which again, is likely Consistent with methods used earlier, three such
to keep inflation under check. As the stock of items gets scenarios with equal probabilities can be considered as
exhausted, the government will allow selective production strong, moderate and weak recovery. For a strong recovery,
facilities to resume operations with the use of adequate an average rise of 0.5% per year can be assumed. For a
safety measures. All these measures together are likely to moderate recovery, an average rise of 1% per year can be
keep inflation in the year 2020–2021 under some check. assumed. For a weak recovery, an average rise of 2% per
The average inflation rate for the year 2020–2021 is not year can be assumed. Likely situations under these three
likely to go beyond 5–6%. scenarios of recovery are shown in Figure 12.
If the recovery is strong, in the year 2024–2025, the
Estimates for 2024–2025
inflation rate might rise to 8% from a level of around 6% in
Long-term impact on inflation will also depend on the 2020–2021. If the recovery is moderate, the inflation rate
mode of recovery of the economy. If the recovery is weak, might rise to 10% from a level of around 6% in 2020–2021.
certainly it will adversely impact inflation, because con- If the recovery is weak, the inflation rate might rise to 14%
sumption will not be contained below a certain limit. from a level of around 6% in 2020–2021.
Barbate et al. 31
Figure 15. Decision Tree for IIP Rate Projection for 2020–2021
Source: Compiled by authors.
Barbate et al. 33
Aggregating the three EVs, −0.66%, −1.32% and Findings and Discussion
−1.98%, the expected cut in the industrial output rate
forecast for 2020–2021 is −3.96%. The March 2020 rate The economic impact assessment has been summarized in
Table 4.
can be assumed as 0%. Thus, there is all likelihood that the
Big impact is likely on the GDP growth rate at least for
industrial output for 2020–2021 might reduce to −3.96%.
the year 2020–2021. Same is the finding in case of
Estimates for 2024–2025 unemployment. Inflation too is likely to rise in the short
An important factor influencing the industrial output term at least. Base lending rate is expected to come down
projections for the next 5 years is the likely recovery rate. further as the government would like the banks to create
Three such scenarios with equal probabilities can be more credit in the market. The industrial output is slated to
considered as strong, moderate and weak recovery. For a take a strong beating at least in the year 2020–2021.
strong recovery, a positive average growth rate of 2% per The economic impact in the long run will depend on the
year can be assumed. For a moderate, recovery a positive recovery mode. Three such modes, namely, strong, moder-
average growth rate of 1% per year can be assumed. For a ate and weak, show a wide range of possibilities.
weak recovery, a positive average growth rate of 0.50% per A major impact of COVID-19 is expected on the Indian
year can be assumed. Likely situation under these three economy for fiscal 2020–2021. At the point of writing this
scenarios of recovery are shown in Figure 16. article, that is, on 14 April 2020, the lockdown has been
If the recovery is strong, in the year 2024–2025, the extended to 3 May 2020 and in all probabilities is likely to
growth rate might reach up to 4.04%. If the recovery is go up to 30 June 2020. So the first quarter will be
moderate, in the year 2024–2025, the growth rate might completely lost. Amid a lot of uncertainty a positive view
reach up to 0.04%. If the recovery is weak, in the year can be taken that at least from the second quarter of 2020–
2024–2025, the growth rate might reach up to −1.96%. 2021 a recovery will be initiated. The recovery will happen
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RBI. (2020). Press release of meeting dated 27th March 2020. About the Authors
rbidocs.rbi.org.in
Sinha, S. K. (2020). FY21 GDP growth downwardly Revised Vikas Barbate ([email protected]) is working
to 3.6. India Ratings and Research. https://www. as an Associate Professor at the ASM’s Institute of
indiaratings.co.in/PressRelease?pressReleaseID=40528&titl Professional Studies, Pimpri, Pune. He has work experience
e=FY21-GDP-Growth-Downwardly-Revised-to-3.6%25- of 26 years and has published around 20 publications in
The Economic Times. (2020a, 2 April). Global economy could journals of national and international repute. Dr Vikas
shrink by almost 1% in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic: has done his Doctorate in addition to MMS, MCom and
United Nations. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ PGDM.
international/business/global-economy-could-shrink-by-
almost-1-in-2020-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-united-nations/ Rajesh N. Gade ([email protected]) is working as
articleshow/74943235.cms?from=mdr
an Assistant Professor, Lotus Business School, Pune. He is
The Economic Times. (2020b, 9 April). Goldman Sachs revised
a research scholar with the Savitribai Phule Pune University.
global growth forecast for 2020 to −2% and that of US to
−6%: Prachi Mishra. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
markets/expert-view/goldman-sachs-revised-global-growth-
Shirish S. Raibagkar ([email protected]) is a Fellow
forecast-for-2020-to-2-and-that-of-us-to-6-prachi-mishra/ member of Institute of Cost and Management Accountants
articleshow/75065449.cms; https://www.focus-economics. of India. He has done his Doctorate and has passed the
com/country-indicator/india/interest-rate Chartered Accountancy exam. He has published more than
The Economic Times. (2020c, 21 February). NCAER pegs FY20 25 research articles in journals of national and international
GDP growth at 4.9%. https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes. repute.