We need better price stability for sustainable growth in the medium term: FM

16 Jun 2011 Evaluate

The Reserve Bank of India in its mid-term policy review increased its key policy rates by 25 basis points, this hike in policy rates are in the line with the expectations. The finance minister said, Reserve Bank of India’s decision to increase the policy rates is on expected lines and this move will help in checking inflation, the headline inflation for month of May has crossed the 9% mark. In the mid-quarter monetary policy review, RBI raised its repo rate and reverse repo to 7.5 % and 6.5% respectively, this was the 10th time when RBI had increased its policy rates in last 16 months in order to contain inflation, which is hovering above the central bank’s comfort zone.

The finance Ministry Pranab Mukherjee said, “This (rate hike) was on the expected lines as the core inflation hardened (in May) ... RBI has sought to maintain an interest rate environment that moderates inflation and check inflationary expectations,”

The Headline Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation, stood at 9.7 % in March, 8.7 % in April and 9.1 % in May. RBI in its policy review said, given the recent pattern, inflation numbers for April and May are likely to be revised upwards. Expressing concern over stubborn inflation, finance ministry said, bringing in price stability is paramount for sustaining high growth. “We need to have better price stability for sustaining growth in the medium term.”

Central bank has pegged India’s economic growth for the present financial tear at 8% against 8.6% in 2010-11, while in next five year plan, starting from 2012, government is aiming to grow by 9 % to 9.5%.

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