Economic Survey propagates policy agility amid pandemic-induced uncertainty

Highlights govt's 'Barbell Strategy' to offer a bouquet of safety-nets to cushion impact on vulnerable sections/business, with a flexible response that uses feedback-loops with real-time adjustments

India’s Economic Survey acts as a report card of the economy presented by the government that also carries a prescriptive policy blueprint with a near-to-medium term horizon. Released on the eve of the Union Budget, it also offers a sneak peek into the macroeconomic framework underpinning the upcoming Union Budget.

The Economic Survey 2021-22, in its second post pandemic avatar, highlights the challenging policy terrain amidst a cross-current of uncertainty caused by repeated waves of Covid. In this context, the Survey highlights the use of ‘Barbell Strategy’ by the government to offer a bouquet of safety-nets to cushion the impact