GDP data: No surprises here; need different policy measures to stem the rot

The GDP growth number for the April-June 2020 quarter the fiscal year 2020-21 (Q1FY21) was expected to be dismal and the estimates varied from 15-30 per cent. The contraction of 23.9 per cent during this period is a clear reflection of the slowdown caused by the shutdown in March 2020, which was virtually total in April and opened only gradually in the subsequent two months.

The only sector to show growth is agriculture, while the government sector disappointed with public admin de-growing by 10.3 per cent.  Agriculture has been relatively immune to the lockdown and it is only post July