RBI’s 9.5 percent contraction forecast was much anticipated: Dr Hiranandani President (National) NAREDCO and Assocham
The decision to rejig home loan rules will provide a boost to the real estate sector
The Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Shaktikanta Das announcement of keeping the repo rates unchanged while forecasting a 9.5 per cent contraction in FY21 was on expected lines stated ASSOCHAM president, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani.
“It affirms our beliefs that the worst is over for the Indian economy. The RBI governor also confirmed that the contraction in economic growth witnessed in the April-June quarter with 23.9 per cent is behind us. He also accepts that growth is likely to pick up in the second half of the fiscal and enter into the positive zone in the January-March quarter,” He pointed out.
According to Dr. Hiranandani, the RBI’s decision to keep key rates unchanged was also much anticipated. “Further reduction in key interest rates was not a possibility at this juncture. The RBI’s decision to extend the scheme for co-lending to all NBFCs, HFC in respect of all eligible priority sector loans will allow greater operational flexibility to the lending institutions and is much welcomed,” he said.
Since February last year, the monetary policy committee has cut the repo rate by 250 basis points.
RBI’s decision to rationalise the risk weights on home loans and link them to Loan to value ratios only will give a boost to the real estate sector as well, he said. “Particularly this step would benefit borrowers of higher value loans. It would ensure that more credit is available to borrowers. This move is a much appreciated step recognising the role of the real estate sector in generating employment and economic activity,” he added.
Dr. Hiranandani explained that the industry welcomes the Reserve Bank of India’s announcement to undertake further measures as necessary to assure market participants of access to liquidity and easy financial conditions. “The RBI has through its proactive measures taken honest efforts to provide access to easier credit to smaller businesses. However, we believe further steps would be needed to revive the economy,” he said.
Mr. Kaushal Agarwal, Chairman, The Guardians Real Estate Advisory
“The status quo was on expected lines. The steep reduction in the rates over the past several months are slowly beginning to show an impact on the ground. The move by RBI to link risks to loan to value will help banks shred the cautious lending approach. The move is bound to offer a much-needed jump start to lending and liquidity cycle in the marketplace. The move is quite differentiated and going to be effective.”
Mr. Dinanath Dubhashi, MD & CEO, L&T Financial Services
‘The current announcements by RBI underline its seriousness in pushing for collaborative efforts of banks and NBFCs in reaching out to the unserved as well as the underserved sectors of the economy.
Along with operational efficiency, this move augurs well for the sector. Extension of the co-origination scheme will give greater operational flexibility to the lending institutions. The introduction of round the clock RTGS facility is encouraging and supportive of growth. Measures like on-tap TLTRO will help build further confidence in the sector and we will await the details on specific sectors applicable for TLTRO as well as the terms and conditions to be met for availing the benefits. Having said that, we are hopeful that a broad spectrum of sectors, including NBFCs, will be considered.’
