India's fast-moving consumer goods sector grew 5.7 per cent by value and 4.1 per cent by volume in the July-September quarter driven by rural demand, consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ said in its quarterly update last week. Yet, many feel that the state of India's rural economy, particularly rural indebtedness, is a matter of concern. Some non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are complicating the scene further by trying to fish in troubled waters.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken note of the growing issue of "push" loans - loans that are aggressively marketed to individuals who may not fully grasp the long-term financial consequences. This is mostly happening in rural India, and a slew of factors is leading to unsustainable levels of debt.
One of the root causes is the lack of sufficient employment opportunities in rural India. Economic growth has not translated into adequate job creation, especially in non-farm sectors. Meanwhile, the ease of access to credit, combined with the proliferation of 24/7 delivery services, has fuelled higher consumption levels in rural pockets. This consumption is often beyond what individuals can afford, creating a significant gap between the growth in income and rising consumption needs. People are being lured into taking loans for goods and services that are not essential, further pushing them into debt.
As a result, rural households are increasingly depending on borrowed money to meet everyday consumption needs, a practice that is not sustainable in the long run. The problem is compounded by the fact that the income sources of the rural economy, which is largely dependent on agriculture, are unstable, affected by unpredictable monsoons, fluctuating commodity prices, and rising input costs. Instead of being mindful of this, some NBFCs are capitalising on this mismatch, providing loans for consumption, sometimes at usurious rates.
Esta historia es de la edición November 11, 2024 de Business Standard.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 11, 2024 de Business Standard.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Maha Kumbh 2025 to give state a chance to wave tourism potential
To leverage its religious and spiritual tourism potential, the Uttar Pradesh government is pitching for global branding of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the world's largest congregations of pilgrims.
Highways: UP's path to become first $1 trn state
Uttar Pradesh (UP), one of India's top state economies, is aiming to become the nation's first $1 trillion economy.
'UP has largest investment portal in the country'
Nivesh Mitra offers 491 online services and is adding more, say senior bureaucrat
Chips to tourism: State marks out sectors for support and growth
Uttar Pradesh is on the track to become a $1 trillion economy by 2027-28 due to a host of factors, including increased spending on infrastructure, improved law and order, and better business environment.
'Industry has to heed the environment'
In the era of rapid industrialisation, businesses are required to adopt processes and technologies that are environment-friendly and achieve the goal of sustainability. RAVINDRA PRATAP SINGH, chairman of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), in an interview with Siddharth Kalhans in Lucknow said the board had been nudging industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies. He also spoke about the steps being taken to make people environment-conscious. Edited excerpts:
UP green plan: Use tech to help boost agriculture
Over the next few years, the state aims to increase value of farm exports from ₹20,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore by boosting productivity and food processing
Wheels of change turn electric as state expands its green fleet of buses
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh (UP) will expand its electric bus fleet to improve public transportation.
'UP has extensive land bank for industries'
As several investments come to Uttar Pradesh (UP), the demand for industrial plots is rising. The Global Investors Summit, held in Lucknow last year, fetched investments worth more than ₹40 trillion. The state government is expanding existing industrial areas and creating new ones. Sector-specific industrial parks are also being set up. MAYUR MAHESHWARI, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), in an interview with Siddharth Kalhans in Lucknow spoke about plans to help industries. Edited excerpts:
'Investments in UP spread across regions'
Leaving behind the tag of being a Bimaru’ state, Uttar Pradesh UP) has marched forward to become one of the most favoured destinations for investors. The state government has introduced a new industrial policy providing more sops, incentives, and rebates to industries. Various sectoral policies have been implemented to support these industries. Minister for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI Investment Promotion of UP, in an interview with Siddharth Kalhans of the Business Standard Samriddhi round table, shared details of the steps taken to boost the economy, exports, and industries in UP. Edited excerpts:
State's priority sectors need ₹5.73 trn lending in FY25
Signalling a major boost to the $1 trillion economy target of Uttar Pradesh, the priority sector credit flow is estimated to touch ₹5.73 trillion in the current financial year 2024-25 (FY25), marking an over 50 per cent growth year-on-year.
