Mumbai:
India's economic growth will improve in the coming quarters, but the pace is likely to be gradual due to persistent challenges such as elevated inflation and policy uncertainty, according to a report by global professional services firm Deloitte.
The country's growth outlook will also hinge on the election outcome due on May 16, said the report titled
'Global Economic Outlook'.
"Economic growth is likely (to) improve in the coming quarters, but the pace of growth may remain gradual because of persistent challenges," the report said.
It also said that some challenges have been more persistent in nature.
"One such recurring challenge has been high and rising inflation, which has afflicted the country for more than half a decade."
The report said policy uncertainties have been another challenge for the economy as the government's efforts to undertake meaningful reforms have been followed by disappointing implementation.
"In the past, reforms have been repeatedly watered down, which continues to frustrate business fraternity and impact investor sentiments," it said.
According to the report, the biggest challenge of all is the structural bottlenecks like poor infrastructure, complicated tax structures, and poor investment environment.
The government has taken several initiatives to tackle structural deficiencies.
About 50,000 MW of thermal and hydroelectric power capacity are under construction after receiving clearances and approvals.
Several nuclear power plant projects are under construction, and a few are already generating power.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) policies in telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, civil aviation, power trading exchange, and multi-brand retail have been liberalised to attract large investments.
"However, the initiatives are not enough for the country's growing market, and the pace of improvement is very poor," Deloitte said.
Deloitte said these challenges had a significant impact on both the demand and production, bringing down growth in past few quarters.
The economy grew at 4.7 per cent year over year in the third quarter of FY14. Average growth in the first three quarters of last fiscal year has been 4.6 per cent.
"Weaker-than-expected growth in the third quarter implies that it will be a challenge to meet the government's estimated annual growth rate of 4.9 per cent," the report said.
Deloitte expects growth to improve in the second half of FY15 once there is more political and policy certainty.
"Coordinated, defined monetary and fiscal policies will likely mitigate risks as the economy continues on its path to gradual growth."
However, rapid reforms and substantial improvements in structural bottlenecks will likely remain a low possibility even after elections, it added.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
