Talking about ‘the economics of corruption, black money and demonetisation’, Basu examined the statement made public by the finance ministry, a day after demonetisation was announced.
“The ministry said this move will help control the printing of fake currency in our country. However, what is happening instead is that people are exchanging their notes, fake or not, for fresh new notes. This is not solving the problem,” he said. He added that the government should focus on producing better quality currency. He said that instead of helping control inflation, this move might damage the economy further.
“Even the idea of walking towards a cashless society is a long stretch for India. Currently, close to 98% transactions take place through cash. Even the US would take 10-12 years to achieve this goal,” he said.
The total value of Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes stands at Rs 15 lakh crores, said Basu. He added that only Rs12 lakh crores has been deposited in banks so far. “New notes worth only Rs4 lakh crores have been circulated in the market and the Reserve Bank of India said this figure will reach Rs6 lakh crores by the end of December. The shortfall is a lot. The government needs to take serious steps to save the economy during the next financial year,” he said.
Comparing the current situation to a similar move orchestrated by the Indian government in 1978, when it banned Rs1,000 notes, Basu highlighted how the move damaged the country’s economy in 1979-80. He said the only way to save prevent intensive damage this time around was to scale back. “The government must accept its mistake and take responsibility. It must take a step back and reverse part of the decision. People will be angry, but this will help minimise the problem,” concluded Basu.
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