India's 1991 Economic Crisis
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

In the 1980s, the Indian economy suffered from ______ management, which ultimately contributed to a financial crisis.

inefficient

When the government spends more than it earns, it often ______ to cover the difference, both from domestic and international sources.

borrows

A key problem was that development policies required the government to overshoot its revenue to tackle issues like unemployment and ______.

poverty

The government's continued investment in social sectors and defence, which do not yield immediate returns, necessitated a highly ______ use of remaining revenue.

<p>efficient</p> Signup and view all the answers

India's foreign exchange reserves dropped so low that they could only finance imports for about ______ weeks.

<p>two</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adding to the crisis, India lacked enough foreign exchange to pay the ______ owed to international lenders.

<p>interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

Facing a severe financial crisis, India turned to the World Bank (IBRD) and the ______ for a loan.

<p>IMF</p> Signup and view all the answers

To alleviate the crisis, India received a loan of $______ billion from the World Bank and the IMF.

<p>7</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] of the public sector enterprises involves selling off a portion of the equity of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) to the public.

<p>Disinvestment</p> Signup and view all the answers

The removal of ______ is intended to enhance the competitive positioning of Indian products within the international markets.

<p>export duties</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] refers to the transfer of ownership or management control from a government-owned enterprise to private entities.

<p>Privatization</p> Signup and view all the answers

The government identifies Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and designates them as maharatnas, navratnas, and miniratnas to enhance efficiency and foster competitiveness within the ______ global environment.

<p>liberalized</p> Signup and view all the answers

Granting greater operational, financial, and managerial ______ to profit-making enterprises, known as miniratnas, empowers them to make essential decisions, enhancing their efficiency and profitability.

<p>autonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the government, the primary goal of selling equity in Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) is to improve financial discipline and facilitate ______.

<p>modernisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

To improve efficiency and encourage competition, the government categorizes Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) into maharatnas, navratnas, and ______.

<p>miniratnas</p> Signup and view all the answers

It was anticipated that private capital and managerial skills could be efficiently used to improve the performance of the ______.

<p>PSUs</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] is the outcome of policies aimed at transforming the world towards greater interdependence and integration.

<p>Globalization</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of hiring regular services from external sources, often in other countries, that were previously provided internally is known as ______.

<p>outsourcing</p> Signup and view all the answers

The growth of fast modes of communication, particularly ______, has intensified outsourcing as an economic activity.

<p>Information Technology</p> Signup and view all the answers

Voice-based business processes, also known as ______, are a common type of service that is often outsourced to countries like India.

<p>BPO</p> Signup and view all the answers

The digitization and real-time transmission of text, voice, and visual data across continents are enabled by modern ______ links.

<p>telecommunication</p> Signup and view all the answers

ONGC Videsh, a subsidiary of the Indian public sector enterprise, is involved in ______ and production projects in 16 countries.

<p>oil and gas exploration</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank], established in 1907, is among the top ten global steel companies, operating in 26 countries and selling products in 50 countries.

<p>Tata Steel</p> Signup and view all the answers

Companies like Dr Reddy's Laboratories, initially a small supplier to Indian firms, now have manufacturing plants and ______ centres across the world.

<p>research</p> Signup and view all the answers

Foreign investment includes Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign ______ Investment (FII).

<p>Institutional</p> Signup and view all the answers

India's foreign exchange reserves increased from approximately US $6 billion in 1990-91 to about US $413 billion in ______.

<p>2018-19</p> Signup and view all the answers

Since 1991, India has emerged as a successful exporter of auto parts, pharmaceutical goods, engineering goods, IT software, and ______.

<p>textiles</p> Signup and view all the answers

The increase in foreign investment indicates a significant change from approximately US $100 million in 1990-91 to US $30 ______ in 2017-18.

<p>billion</p> Signup and view all the answers

The reduction in subsidy on materials like seeds and fertilizers led to an increase in Mahadeva's cost of ______.

<p>cultivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

The flooding of local markets with cheap imported edible oils resulted from the removal of restrictions on ______.

<p>imports</p> Signup and view all the answers

The reforms have faced criticism for not adequately addressing fundamental economic challenges, particularly in areas like employment and ______ development.

<p>infrastructure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mahadeva, a farmer in Andhra Pradesh, faced challenges due to crop disease and reduced research and extension work, exacerbated by lower government ______.

<p>expenditure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Even though India eliminated all quota restrictions on textile and clothing exports, the ______ has not removed quota restrictions on textile imports from India and China.

<p>USA</p> Signup and view all the answers

Each year, the government sets a ______ for disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs).

<p>target</p> Signup and view all the answers

Critics claim that the assets of PSEs have been ______ during disinvestment, resulting in financial losses for the government.

<p>undervalued</p> Signup and view all the answers

Instead of reinvesting in PSE development, the funds from disinvestment are often used to compensate for shortages in government ______.

<p>revenues</p> Signup and view all the answers

Economic reforms have placed limitations on the expansion of public expenditure, especially in the ______ sectors.

<p>social</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tax reductions implemented during the reform period, aimed at increasing revenue, have not led to a corresponding rise in government tax ______.

<p>revenue</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reform policies that involve tariff reduction have limited the potential for increasing revenue through custom ______.

<p>duties</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an effort to attract foreign investment, governments offer tax ______ to foreign investors, which further reduces the potential for tax revenue collection.

<p>incentives</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decline in public investment, coupled with ineffective reforms, has particularly hampered the progress of the ______ sector.

<p>agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

The slowdown in the industrial sector's expansion can be attributed to the influx of more affordable ______ and decreased investment.

<p>imports</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) transitioned from a ______ to a facilitator of the financial sector, adapting to evolving economic needs.

<p>controller</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] of the rupee can impact trade balances; it is a deliberate downward adjustment to the value of a country's currency relative to another currency.

<p>devaluation</p> Signup and view all the answers

While tariffs are taxes on imports, ______ barriers include quotas, embargoes, and other restrictions that limit the quantity of goods that can be imported.

<p>non-tariff</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] restrictions are quantity limits on the amount of goods that can be imported into a country.

<p>quantitative</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] is a practice where companies assign specific tasks to third parties who are often located overseas to leverage cost advantages. Developed countries sometimes oppose it due to concerns over job displacement.

<p>outsourcing</p> Signup and view all the answers

The high growth of the ______ sector is largely attributed to factors such as technological advancements, increasing disposable incomes, and policy support.

<p>service</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Inefficient Management

Poor handling of the Indian economy during the 1980s.

Government Borrowing

When government loans money to cover expenses.

Revenue Deficit

When government expenditure exceeds its income.

Foreign Exchange Reserves

Money held by a country to pay for imports.

Signup and view all the flashcards

High Imports Growth

Imports increasing faster than exports.

Signup and view all the flashcards

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

An organization that provides financial aid to countries.

Signup and view all the flashcards

World Bank

An international financial institution for development loans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Consumption Spending

Expenditure on goods and services without investment returns.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Export Duties

Taxes imposed on goods leaving a country, now removed for competitiveness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Privatisation

Transfer of ownership from the government to private entities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Disinvestment

Selling parts of government-owned enterprises to the public.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Navratnas

High-performing public enterprises granted more autonomy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Miniratnas

Public enterprises with some autonomy to improve profitability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maharatanas

Top public enterprises with significant autonomy and competitive capacity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nationalised Bank

A bank owned and operated by the government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Globalisation

A process of increased interdependence and integration worldwide, bridging economic, social and geographical boundaries.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Outsourcing

Hiring external service providers from other countries to perform tasks previously done in-house.

Signup and view all the flashcards

BPO

Business Process Outsourcing, a type of outsourcing focusing on voice-based services like call centers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Information Technology (IT)

Technology that facilitates communication and information processing, enabling faster outsourcing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

ONGC Videsh

A subsidiary of ONGC engaged in global oil and gas exploration, operating in 16 countries.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tata Steel

A leading global steel producer established in 1907, operating in 26 countries and selling in 50.

Signup and view all the flashcards

HCL Technologies

A major Indian IT company with offices in 31 countries and 15,000 employees abroad.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dr Reddy's Laboratories

A pharmaceutical company that has expanded globally with plants and research centers worldwide.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Investment made by a company or individual in one country in business interests in another country.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foreign Institutional Investment (FII)

Investment in financial assets by foreign entities to gain ownership in domestic companies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Economic Reforms

Policies implemented to improve the economic efficiency and open up the economy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Groundnut in Andhra Pradesh

A major oilseed crop cultivated in Andhra Pradesh known for its significance to local farmers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact of Subsidies

Government financial support intended to help reduce farmers' costs and improve economic viability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problems from Imports

Challenges faced by local farmers due to an influx of cheap imported goods undermining their market prices.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crop Diseases

Infections or infestations that damage crops, leading to reduced yields for farmers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

PSEs

Public Sector Enterprises owned by the government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Quota Restrictions

Limits set on the amount of goods that can be imported or exported.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tax Incentives

Financial advantages offered to encourage certain behaviors, like foreign investments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Welfare Expenditures

Government spending aimed at improving social welfare and services.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Power Sector Reforms

Changes in the electricity sector often leading to market-driven pricing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Decline in Public Investment

A reduction in government spending in the agriculture sector.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Industrial Sector Growth Slowdown

A decrease in growth due to cheaper imports and low investment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

WTO Membership Importance

Joining WTO helps India integrate into global trade.

Signup and view all the flashcards

RBI's Role Change

The Reserve Bank of India shifted from controlling to facilitating the financial sector.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Devaluation of Rupee

A decrease in the value of the Indian rupee compared to other currencies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tariffs

Taxes imposed on imports to protect local industries.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Navaratna Policy

A government initiative to improve performance in public sector undertakings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Unit II: Economic Reforms Since 1991

  • India achieved a strong industrial base and self-sufficiency in food grain production after 40 years of planned development.
  • However, a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood.
  • A 1991 balance of payments crisis triggered economic reforms in India.
  • This unit analyzes the reform process and its influence on India.

Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation: An Appraisal

  • Students will learn about the background of 1991 reforms in India.
  • Students will understand the mechanisms behind the introduction of reform policies.
  • Students will understand the process of globalization and its impact on India
  • The influence of the reform process on various sectors will also be explored.

Introduction

  • Economic development isn't solely measured by GDP.
  • India's mixed economy model (combining capitalist and socialist systems) has been the subject of debate regarding its effectiveness.
  • Critics argue that the rules and laws regulating the economy hindered growth and development. Others support the policy's role in achieving growth in savings and developing a diversified industrial sector, securing food security through agricultural expansion.
  • India faced an economic crisis in 1991, partly due to an inability to repay its debt and low foreign exchange reserves.
  • Rising costs of essential goods also contributed to the crisis.

Background

  • The inefficient management of India's economy during the 1980s is a significant factor leading to the financial crisis.
  • Government expenditures often exceeded income, leading to borrowing from banks and international institutions.
  • Imports, particularly petroleum, put a strain on foreign exchange reserves.
  • The government needed to meet increasing challenges, including unemployment and poverty in order to justify the expenditure without additional revenue.

Liberalisation

  • The policies removed restrictions on economic activities and opened the economy to various sectors.
  • The 1980’s policies included industrial licensing restrictions, export-import regulations, fiscal policies and foreign investment policies.
  • The reforms introduced in 1991 were comprehensive.
  • Industries like alcohol, cigarettes, and hazardous chemicals were removed from the reserved sector for the public.
  • Some sectors, particularly those for atomic energy and railway transport, remained under public sector control.

Privatisation

  • Privatisation involves transferring ownership and management of government-owned enterprises to private entities.
  • This can occur through disinvestment, selling a portion of company equity, or a complete withdrawal of government presence.
  • The purpose of privatisation is, according to the government, improving financial discipline and encouraging modernizations.
  • Government enterprises, such as Navratnas and Maharatnas, are given more freedom to manage their operations.

Globalization

  • Globalisation is the integration of a country's economy with the world economy. This includes economic, social, and geographical interactions.
  • The increased interdependence and integration of economies among countries were the outcome of policies aimed at global integration.
  • Outsourcing has increased due to the growth of communication technology, particularly the growth of Information Technology (IT).
  • The rise of outsourcing involves businesses handing over certain services like call centers, record keeping, etc., to other countries.

Tax Reforms

  • Tax reforms encompass adjustments to the government's taxation and public spending policies, typically referred to as fiscal policies.
  • Direct taxes such as those levied on individuals and business enterprises, and indirect taxes on goods have been adjusted since 1991.
  • Tax rates on individual incomes have been reduced.
  • Corporate tax rates have also been reduced.

Trade and Investment Policy Reforms

  • These reforms aimed to enhance international competitiveness of India's industrial production, encourage foreign investment, improve business efficiency, and increase domestic production.
  • Quantitative restrictions were removed to facilitate a common national market.
  • The liberalization of the trade and investment policy was aimed at attracting foreign investment and technology transfers.

Reforms in Agriculture and Industries

  • Agricultural growth rates did not increase significantly after 1991.
  • The reforms negatively impacted the agricultural sector, especially smaller farmers, due to export-oriented policies prioritizing cash crops over food grains, and reduced subsidies.
  • Industrial growth has also slowed down due to a decreased demand for industrial products and the accessibility of cheaper imports from other countries.

Disinvestment

  • The government aimed to achieve disinvestment of public sector companies to generate revenue.
  • The target was to increase funds raised through disinvestment each year.
  • Critics question whether the proceeds from disinvestment effectively supported the development of PSUs rather than offsetting revenue shortfalls.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Economic Reforms Since 1991 PDF

Description

This quiz explores the factors leading to India's 1991 economic crisis, including fiscal mismanagement, government spending, and low foreign exchange reserves. It covers India's reliance on loans from the World Bank and IMF to address the crisis and the reforms that followed.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser