GDP data quality debate ill-informed: Sitharaman

The debate over the quality of India’s national income accounts is “ill informed”, as the ‘C’ rating assigned by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reflects the use of the 2011-12 base year for GDP estimation rather than any broader data shortcomings, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday.

- Gireesh Chandra Prasad

A new base year will be adopted from 27 February 2026, she added.

In a reply during the Lok Sabha debate on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the minister said the IMF has recognized India’s macroeconomic stability and resilience and has projected 6.6% economic growth for 2025-26.

IMF did not question India’s growth figures, Sitharaman said, adding that there is “no misleading data”.