Economists ask FinMin to focus on growth rather than fiscal consolidation

WITH the second quarter GDP growth falling to a 7-quarter low of 5.4%, economists have asked the government to shift its policy focus to growth rather than fiscal consolidation.

- DIPAK MONDAL @ New Delhi

In a pre-budget meeting with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday, a delegation of economists suggested the government readdress the pace of fiscal consolidation and take measures to boost consumption.

"Right now whether it is the RBI's monetary policy or the government's fiscal policy, the focus on growth has taken a back seat and there is a need for course correction," said an economist, who was in the meeting, while talking to TNIE.