Demonetizing Rs 500 and 1,000 notes will lead to decrease in purchases, profits, investment, income

By Hemantkumar Shah*
The decision to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from currency is a macho decision by the government which will have no positive impact on Indian economy.
(1) In 1978, a similar decision was taken by the Morarji Desai government. But the black money volume increased. It did not reduce. A same result will be there this time, too.
(2) In 1978, hardly 10% of people were using these notes. At present, almost all people use these notes. So they will be harassed for exchange.
(3) Poor people will be exploited, as they mostly don't have bank accounts. Private people will get undue benefits from exchanges.
(4) Recently more than Rs 60,000 crore black money was unearthed under the income tax (IT) scheme. No positive impact has been seen in the short run. Nothing will happen in the long run.
(5) As a result of this decision, perhaps another Rs. 50,000 crore will be destroyed by people. It will hardly have any positive impact on income, employment, prices and investment.
(6) It may trigger depression in the economy, already reeling under the same, as unaccounted money is used for buying goods and services. This will stop and my lead to decreased purchases, profits, investment, employment and income in general, and on the short run it may lead to depression.
(7) After 1978, black money increased. It values at present more than Rs 30 lakh crore. It will not be reduced or deleted. Even if it is reduced, it will be of negligible degree.
(8) It will trigger more corruption, which is one of the most effective sources of black money. Those who give cash to banks will be asked for explanations, which will increase corruption. It seems it is election funding programme for the rulers.
It is a bogus, directionless and totally political decision.
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*Economist, based in Ahmedabad

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