With 75% economy under lockdown, analysts see sharp fall in GDP

Even when the lockdown period ends, it will take time for the economy to be fully up and running. The public fear factor, analysts feel, will still result in below-normal activity for a few months

The 21-day shutdown announced by the Narendra Modi – led government due to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has put nearly 75 per cent of the Indian economy under lock and key, which is likely to strain the government’s finances and see the fiscal deficit for financial year 2020-21 (FY21) rise by one per cent from the 3.5 per cent target set in the Union Budget presented in February, says the latest report from Nomura. 

“Our initial estimates suggest that around 75 per cent of the economy will be shutdown, resulting in a direct output loss of nearly 4.5 per cent. We expect