Lit Review
Lit Review
introducing a structuralist model and argue that traditional inflation models such as the output
gap model, are insufficient to explain India’s inflation trends. They The paper explores both
the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) and structuralist approaches which offer a more
nuanced framework for inflation targeting.
The study critiques the output gap model, which adjusts interest rates based on deviations
between actual and potential output, highlighting its limitations in India's context. Instead, it
emphasizes sectoral imbalances and proposes an alternative way to analyze inflation with the
following models:
The NKPC Model explains current inflation based on future inflation expectations and output
gaps.
The hybrid NKPC Model includes both forward- and backward-looking elements, factoring
in past inflation for better inflation dynamics.
The key findings reveal that traditional inflation models do not adequately capture India’s
inflation trends and demonstrate the need to shift from conventional frameworks to sector-
specific drivers for accurate inflation targeting. These findings align with similar studies in
for other economies, such as the US, indicating the relevance of this approach beyond India.
Persistent agricultural imbalances, oil prices, and wages significantly affect inflation in India
and suggests that policymakers should shift focus to sector-specific dynamics, offering a
more effective way to understand and address inflation.
1 The study by the Asian Development Bank (2019) enhances the literature on forecasting
economic indicators in emerging markets, specifically in India. Accurate predictions of GDP
growth and inflation are vital for effective policy-making in India’s complex economic
landscape. This research utilizes a Bayesian Vector Autoregression (BVAR) model to forecast
India’s GDP growth and Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation from 2004 to 2017,
demonstrating superior predictive accuracy compared to other models like Vector
Autoregression (VAR) and ARIMA. By including diverse factors—such as domestic
consumption, investment, and external influences like capital flows—the model highlights
the importance of trade linkages in understanding India’s economic growth.
The methodology includes three econometric models using data from 2004 to 2017. The VAR
(Vector Autoregression) Model captures interdependencies among time series data,
represented by the equation:
where Yt is a vector of variables, Ai represents coefficient matrices, and ut denotes the error
term. The BVAR (Bayesian Vector Autoregression) Model accounts for parameter uncertainty
using Bayesian inference, given by the equation:
Yt = μ + β1Yt−1 + … + βpYt−p + ut
where μ is the mean vector, and βi are Bayesian-adjusted coefficients. The SVAR (Structural
Vector Autoregression) Model identifies structural shocks in the economy, as shown in the
equation:
ut = B−1ϵt
Key findings indicate that the BVAR models, particularly those incorporating CPI inflation
and FDI, are more effective in forecasting GDP growth trends in India, indicating the
necessity of a comprehensive approach that includes domestic and international factors.
However, reliance on historical data may limit applicability during periods of high volatility
or unexpected shifts, and incorporating multiple variables can increase model complexity and
the risk of overfitting.
3 Chatterji and Sood (n.d.) examine the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) role in managing
monetary policy to promote economic growth and maintain price stability. Various tools used
by the RBI, such as Open Market Operations (OMO), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and repo
rates, are analyzed, along with the challenges in implementing effective monetary policy.
A descriptive and analytical approach to review the RBI's monetary policy tools and their
impact is adopted. No formal econometric models are employed, but a comprehensive
discussion is provided on how changes in repo rates influence borrowing costs and monetary
conditions. The objectives of monetary policy, including maintaining price stability and
promoting fixed investment, are explored, alongside challenges like weak transmission
mechanisms that impede effective policy changes.
Key findings reveal that the RBI effectively utilizes monetary policy tools like OMO, CRR,
and repo rates to manage the money supply and control inflation. However, significant
challenges persist, including weak monetary transmission mechanisms and surplus bank
liquidity, which can hinder policy effectiveness. The crucial role of the Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC) in setting the policy repo rate to balance inflation targets with growth
objectives is emphasized. Improving monetary transmission and managing surplus liquidity
are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of monetary policy in achieving its goals.
Underscores the importance of effective policy tools while addressing challenges in monetary
policy implementation. Enhancing transmission mechanisms and managing surplus liquidity
are critical for achieving better policy outcomes.
4 Dar and Ganie (2022) investigate the effectiveness of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI)
monetary policy in managing inflation, focusing on the transition from direct to indirect
policy tools. This shift from credit ceilings and selective credit controls to market-based
mechanisms like interest rates and open market operations marks a move towards a more
flexible and responsive monetary policy framework.
The study employs several econometric techniques to assess the effectiveness of monetary
policy in controlling inflation. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model analyzes
both short-term and long-term dynamics between inflation and the call money rate (CMMR):
ΔINFLt=α+∑pi=1 βiΔINFLt−i+∑qj=0γjΔCMMRt−j+ϵt
This model assesses how changes in inflation (ΔINFLt) relate to past changes in both
inflation and CMMR. The Granger Causality Test examines whether past values of the
CMMR can predict current inflation:
INFLt=α0+∑pi=1 αiINFLt−i+∑qj=1βjCMMRt−j+ϵt
The Threshold Cointegration Model captures non-linear relationships between inflation and
the CMMR:
INFLt=α+βCMMRt+θ(CMMRt−τ)+ϵt
Key findings indicate a significant positive correlation between the RBI's monetary policy
actions and the stabilization of inflationary pressures from the 1980s to the 2010s.
Adjustments in interest rates have been critical in influencing inflation outcomes. The
transition to indirect methods has enhanced the RBI's capacity to control inflation, although
challenges such as policy transmission lags and external shocks persist. Further refinement of
the monetary policy framework is necessary, and future research should explore the interplay
between policy instruments and external factors to address ongoing challenges in inflation
management.
5 Dua (2020) analyzes the evolution of India's monetary policy framework from the mid-
1980s to the present, emphasizing the transition to the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT)
framework. The examination encompasses various approaches employed by the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) to manage economic conditions, with particular focus on GDP growth
and inflation rates. The analysis traces the shift from "Monetary Targeting with Feedback"
(1985-1998) to the "Multiple Indicator Approach" (1998-2016), culminating in the adoption
of the FIT framework in 2016. Each phase is detailed with respect to the tools and strategies
utilized to achieve monetary policy objectives.
An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model is employed to evaluate the impact of
key macroeconomic variables on GDP growth, specified as follows:
This model facilitates an analysis of how changes in factors such as unemployment, foreign
direct investment (FDI), repo rate, reverse repo rate, and inflation influence GDP growth
under varying monetary policy frameworks.
Key findings reveal a gradual shift towards more flexible and targeted approaches in the
evolution of India's monetary policy framework, emphasizing a focus on price stability while
supporting broader economic growth objectives. The FIT framework highlights inflation
control through the Monetary Policy Committee's management of the repo rate, enabling the
RBI to respond effectively to changing economic conditions. This evolution underscores the
importance of flexibility and responsiveness in monetary policy for maintaining economic
stability in a dynamic environment.
9 Haque (2007) examines the impact of monetary policy on India's economic growth,
specifically following the financial sector reforms of 1991. The dissertation analyzes the
interplay between money supply, economic growth, and price levels, assessing the
effectiveness of various monetary policy tools. It evaluates whether targeting a single
economic variable or adopting a multi-target approach yields more effective management of
the economy and promotes stable growth. The analysis reflects on the evolution of monetary
policy and offers recommendations for enhancing its effectiveness in India.
The findings indicate that monetary policy tools, including Open Market Operations (OMO),
Reserve Requirement Ratio (RRR), and the Discount Rate, significantly influence money
supply and credit conditions. However, their effectiveness has varied over time. Notably,
adjustments in the reserve requirement ratio substantially impact banks' lending capacity,
while changes in the discount rate affect borrowing costs and lending rates. The research
concludes that targeting inflation alone is inadequate for ensuring stable economic growth.
Instead, a multi-target approach, encompassing money supply, inflation, and GDP growth,
proves more beneficial for effective economic management. Additionally, the feasibility of
rigid monetary targeting is questioned, suggesting that a flexible approach is necessary given
the dynamic nature of the Indian economy.
6 This study by IGIDR investigates the expectations channel of monetary policy transmission
in India and its effects on key macroeconomic variables such as inflation and output.
Traditional transmission mechanisms, including interest rate, credit, and exchange rate
channels, have evolved, particularly following the global financial crisis, which underscored
the importance of unconventional channels like expectations management. This research
highlights the expectations channel's significance, especially as India transitions from
structural to cyclical unemployment, where policy rate changes significantly influence output.
Central bank communication plays a crucial role in shaping public expectations, with the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recognizing its importance in monetary policy.
Employing a Structural Vector Auto Regressive (SVAR) model, the study analyzes the
relationship between inflation expectations and economic performance. Two specifications
are utilized: a six-variable model and a seven-variable model, which further includes food
and core inflation. Key findings indicate that expectations shocks substantially impact
headline and food inflation as well as RBI projections. It is found that household inflation
expectations are influenced by supply-side shocks, monetary policy changes, and RBI
forecasts. The interaction between the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) and RBI
projections on core inflation reflects stability during the initial years of flexible inflation
targeting, with the expectations channel proving more effective than the aggregate demand
channel.
In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of the expectations channel in India's
monetary policy framework. Effective communication strategies employed by the RBI are
vital for managing inflation expectations, thereby enhancing the impact of monetary policy
and supporting sustainable economic growth and price stability.
7 The dissertation investigates the influence of monetary policy on economic growth across
Indian states, addressing a gap in literature that primarily focuses on national-level analyses
of GDP and inflation. It emphasizes the significance of regional economic conditions and the
variations in monetary policies to understand their effects on economic performance.
Previous research often applied a generalized approach to monetary policy, neglecting critical
regional factors such as industrial composition, infrastructure development, and local
economic policies, which can markedly impact outcomes.
The study covers a 35-year period from 1980-81 to 2014-15, distinguishing between pre-
reform (1980-81 to 1992-93) and post-reform periods (1993-94 to 2014-15), which are
further subdivided into two sub-periods. A Structural Change Index (SCI) is constructed to
assess the extent of structural changes in the economy by analyzing shifts in sectoral
employment composition. The dissertation employs a decomposition approach to distinguish
total labor productivity growth into within-sector and structural components, facilitating a
clearer understanding of productivity sources at the state level. Advanced econometric
techniques, including F-tests and Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests, are utilized to examine the
relationship between monetary policy variables, such as interest rates and money supply, and
state-level economic indicators, while also considering regional economic cycles and state-
specific policy interventions.
The findings reveal significant heterogeneity in the impact of monetary policy across Indian
states, indicating that a uniform policy is inadequate for fostering balanced economic growth.
Instead, a differentiated approach is advocated, tailored to the diverse economic landscapes of
each state. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how monetary policy can
effectively support regional development in India, emphasizing the need for sensitivity to
state-specific characteristics and economic contexts.
8 Kaur (2017) investigates the interest rate responsiveness of the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) regarding its goals of controlling inflation and promoting economic growth. The study
extends the traditional Taylor rule, which adjusts nominal policy interest rates based on
inflation and output gaps, to include fiscal and open economy components. Using the
Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique, Kaur assesses long-run cointegration
between interest rates and various influencing factors.
Key findings indicate that the RBI’s interest rate responds positively to both output and
inflation gaps, with the output gap being the most influential. Reveals that the fiscal deficit to
GDP ratio does not significantly affect the interest rate, likely due to the Fiscal Responsibility
and Budget Management (FRBM) bill. Furthermore, the RBI's monetary policy is shown to
prioritize output stabilization over inflation targeting. A long-run cointegration relationship
between interest rates and the factors considered supports the effectiveness of the modified
Taylor rule in capturing the RBI’s monetary policy dynamics.
Covering the period from the first quarter of 1996 to the second quarter of 2014, concludes
that while the RBI successfully uses interest rate adjustments, a more integrated approach
aligning monetary and fiscal policies is necessary to tackle broader economic challenges,
especially amid global financial disruptions.
12 Madhu et al. investigate the effects of monetary policy on the Indian economy, focusing
on how changes in interest rates and other monetary tools influence GDP growth. The study
emphasizes the interconnectedness of various economic indicators and the Reserve Bank of
India’s (RBI) role in shaping economic outcomes.
Key findings indicate that both long-term and short-term GDP growth in India are
significantly affected by monetary policy decisions, particularly the repo and reverse repo
rates. The RBI has managed inflation rates effectively; however, achieving a balance between
stimulating growth and controlling inflation remains a challenge. Additionally, external
factors such as global economic conditions and domestic political stability are identified as
crucial influences on GDP growth.
Concludes that monetary policy is a vital tool for influencing economic growth in India, but it
must be implemented alongside other economic strategies for effectiveness. A comprehensive
approach that considers both domestic and international factors is essential for fostering
sustainable economic development. Future research should examine the dynamic interactions
between these variables over time.
17 Soni investigates the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth rate and its impact on
industrial growth, productivity, and inflation within the Indian manufacturing sector from
1981-82 to 2016-17. This comprehensive period provides a robust dataset for analyzing long-
term trends and dynamics in the industrial sector. The study aims to understand the interplay
between input factors—materials, energy, labor, and capital—and their contributions to TFP
growth, while examining the bidirectional relationships between productivity and inflation.
The methodology relies on data from 1981-82 to 2016-17, incorporating the following
equations:
Key findings reveal that TFP measures the efficiency of transforming inputs into outputs,
with the study calculating TFP growth using an equation that accounts for the growth rates of
output and various input factors. The research employs a translog production function to
model the relationship between output and input growth rates, providing a flexible framework
for understanding production dynamics. Additionally, the analysis explores the complex
interactions between industrial growth, productivity, and inflation, aiming to uncover the
impacts of changes in one area on the others.
In conclusion, the dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of TFP growth and its
impact on industrial performance and inflation in India. Key findings emphasize the
significant influence of materials, energy, labor, and capital on TFP growth and illustrate the
complex relationships between industrial growth, productivity, and inflation.
16 Sinha's dissertation investigates the dynamic relationship between monetary policy and
financial risk within the Indian context. It emphasizes how monetary policy decisions
influence financial risk and investor behavior, particularly by analyzing options data and
external monetary policies. The study aims to assess the responses of Indian banks to changes
in monetary policy and financial risk conditions, comparing these responses with
international counterparts.
The modified Taylor Rule is central to the analysis, which takes the form it=r∗+πt+α(πt−π∗)
+β(yt−y∗)
Key findings reveal that interest rates in India are highly responsive to the output gap,
indicating that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prioritizes economic stabilization. The use of
contemporaneous data results in significant coefficients, showing the RBI's swift policy
adjustments. Following the global financial crisis, the RBI has focused on growth objectives,
reducing interest rates to support recovery. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of
monetary policy decision-making, emphasizing the importance of integrating domestic and
international factors for effective financial stability.
19 This study investigates the impact of monetary policy on various economic sectors using a
Structural Vector Auto Regression (SVAR) approach. It focuses on how changes in policy
rates, such as the repo rate and Treasury bill rates, influence key economic indicators,
including the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and
Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The SVAR methodology facilitates an in-depth analysis of
causal relationships and the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy.
Methodology employs unit root tests to ensure the stationarity of the data, which is essential
for the validity of the SVAR model. The SVAR model can be expressed as follows:
Key findings reveal a strong exogeneity of the NSE and GDP, with their forecast error
variance predominantly explained by their own lags in the short run. In contrast, the variance
of the WPI is primarily influenced by its own lags in the short term, while the repo rate and
other variables gain significance in the long run. The study underscores that while immediate
policy changes yield substantial effects, the long-term relationships require further
exploration, thereby providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of monetary policy in
shaping economic outcomes.
18 This study examines the complex relationship between inflation and economic growth, a
pivotal area in economic literature characterized by mixed results, particularly between
developed and developing economies. The research utilizes advanced econometric
techniques, including cointegration and error correction models (ECM), to clarify how
inflation impacts economic growth over short- and long-term horizons. These methodologies
enhance understanding of the dynamic interactions between inflation and growth, providing
significant insights for policymakers.
The methodology involves cointegration analysis using the Engle-Granger two-step method
to test for unit roots in the time series data, ensuring that the series are integrated of the same
order before establishing a cointegrating relationship. The error correction models for
economic growth and inflation are specified as follows:
Δ represents the first difference operator, and μt−1 and ηt−1 are the error correction terms
derived from the cointegrating equations. The coefficients ρ1 and ρ2 measure the speed of
adjustment toward equilibrium.
Key findings indicate a stable long-run relationship between inflation and economic growth,
with a significant negative correlation between the two variables. Higher inflation rates are
associated with lower economic growth, suggesting inflation's detrimental impact on
economic performance. The presence of significant coefficients for the error correction terms
further indicates that deviations from the long-term equilibrium are corrected over time.
Policymakers are advised to maintain stable inflation levels to foster sustainable economic
development, highlighting the importance of understanding both short-term fluctuations and
long-term trends in the inflation-growth relationship for effective economic policy
formulation.
19 This study investigates the impact of monetary policy on foreign trade in India over a
period spanning 19 financial years, from 2002-03 to 2018-21. It examines how various
monetary instruments—specifically the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Statutory Liquidity Ratio
(SLR), bank rates, and repo rates—affect import and export activities. The research aims to
provide valuable insights for stakeholders, including government entities, international
traders, and new entrepreneurs, to formulate effective strategies for international trading.
The methodology employed in this research is descriptive and analytical, encompassing data
from the specified financial years. The relationship between trade volumes and monetary
policy variables is modeled using the following equation:
In this equation, Trade Volume represents the total volume of trade (imports + exports), CRR
is the Cash Reserve Ratio, SLR is the Statutory Liquidity Ratio, Bank Rate refers to the
interest rate set by the central bank, and β0 is the intercept. The coefficients β1, β2, and β3
represent the impact of each monetary policy variable, while ϵ denotes the error term.
Key findings reveal that monetary policy indirectly influences foreign trade. While it does not
dictate trade volumes directly, it affects them through its impact on economic activities. A
liberal monetary policy, characterized by lower interest rates and increased liquidity, tends to
stimulate economic activities, thereby enhancing international trade. Conversely, a restrictive
monetary policy, characterized by higher interest rates and tighter liquidity, negatively
impacts foreign trade due to increased borrowing costs. The research concludes that
policymakers should adopt a balanced approach that promotes economic growth while
managing inflation to improve foreign trade performance.