Prelims 2021 · Economy · Question 3
Which among the following steps is most likely to be taken at the time of an economic recession?
Answer
Increase in expenditure on public projects
- (a) In a recession, policy is usually expansionary: taxes may be cut, but interest rates are generally reduced, not increased. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) Governments often increase expenditure on public projects to raise demand, employment, and investment during recession. Verdict: Correct.
- (c) Higher taxes reduce disposable income and demand, which is opposite to what is usually needed in a recession, even if interest rates are cut. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (d) Reducing public expenditure is contractionary and can worsen recessionary conditions. Verdict: Incorrect.