Second Covid wave could spark greater uncertainty; govt will respond with fiscal steps if required: Niti Aayog

While acknowledging that the present situation due to Covid-19 has become far more difficult, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman remained hopeful that the country's economy will grow 11 per cent in the current fiscal ending March 31, 2022.

The country needs to prepare for "greater uncertainty" in terms of consumer as well as investor sentiments due to the second wave of coronavirus infections, and the government will respond with fiscal measures as and when required, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Sunday. While acknowledging that the present situation has become far more difficult than it was in the past due to rising coronavirus infections, Kumar remained hopeful that the country's economy will grow 11 per cent in the current fiscal ending March 31, 2022. India is grappling with spiralling number of COVID cases as well as related deaths, forcing many state governments to put in place restrictions on movement of people.