MUMBAI: The off-cycle, 40 basis-point cut in policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to revive the consumption engine after the huge demand destruction brought about by the pandemic-induced lockdown.
The repo rate reduction for the second time in 60 days is expected to boost economic activity and generate more jobs. "The biggest blow from covid-19 has been to private consumption, which accounts for about 60% of domestic demand.
The production of consumer durables fell 33% in March 2020, accompanied by a 16% decline in output of non-durables. Similar indications are reflected in surveys of the fast moving consumer goods space," said Shaktikanta Das, RBI governor, in his speech today.