Indian Economic Development

Class 11 Economics Chapter 3 Notes – Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation: An Appraisal

Introduction

These Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation Class 11 Notes explain the 1991 economic reforms introduced in India after the balance of payments crisis. The chapter discusses liberalisation, privatisation, globalisation, WTO, outsourcing, financial sector reforms, industrial reforms and the impact of reforms on the Indian economy. (NCERT Pages 39–52)

This chapter is highly important for UPSC, SSC, Railways, State PSC, CUET and CBSE examinations because questions related to LPG reforms, IMF, World Bank, WTO, disinvestment, outsourcing and economic reforms are frequently asked in competitive examinations. Exact NCERT page references are included throughout the notes for accurate revision and direct NCERT-based preparation.

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Chapter Overview

This chapter explains the economic crisis faced by India in 1991 and the reforms introduced under the New Economic Policy (NEP). It discusses liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation measures along with their impact on agriculture, industry, foreign trade and employment. (NCERT Pages 39–52)

Major Topics Covered

  • 1991 Economic Crisis
  • Balance of Payments Crisis
  • New Economic Policy (NEP)
  • Liberalisation
  • Privatisation
  • Globalisation
  • Industrial sector reforms
  • Financial sector reforms
  • Tax reforms
  • WTO
  • Outsourcing
  • Disinvestment
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
  • Foreign Institutional Investment (FII)

(NCERT Pages 39–52)


NCERT Notes: Introduction to Economic Reforms (NCERT Page 39)

These notes explain the need for economic reforms in India.

Economic Reforms of 1991

Important Facts

  • India followed mixed economy after independence.
  • Excessive controls and regulations slowed economic growth.
  • India faced severe economic crisis in 1991.

Major Problems

Problem
External debt crisis
Falling foreign exchange reserves
Rising prices
Balance of payments crisis

Important Fact

Foreign exchange reserves were sufficient for only two weeks of imports.

(NCERT Page 39)


Background of 1991 Crisis (NCERT Pages 39–40)

These notes explain causes of the economic crisis.

Causes of Economic Crisis

Major Causes

Cause
Excessive government expenditure
Large fiscal deficit
Growing imports
Low export growth
Heavy borrowings
Inflation

Important Fact

Government expenditure exceeded government revenue.

Important Institutions

Institution
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
World Bank (IBRD)

Important Fact

India borrowed 7 billion dollars from IMF and World Bank.

(NCERT Pages 39–40)


New Economic Policy (NEP) 1991 (NCERT Page 40)

These notes explain the New Economic Policy.

NEP 1991

Main Objective

  • Create competitive economy.
  • Remove barriers to growth.

Two Major Components

Component Meaning
Stabilisation measures Short-term corrective measures
Structural reforms Long-term efficiency measures

Three Main Reform Areas

Reform
Liberalisation
Privatisation
Globalisation

(NCERT Page 40)


Liberalisation (NCERT Pages 41–43)

These notes explain liberalisation policies.

Liberalisation

Meaning

Removal of unnecessary government controls and restrictions on economic activities.

Important Fact

Liberalisation aimed to increase efficiency and competition.

(NCERT Page 41)


Industrial Sector Reforms (NCERT Page 41)

These notes explain industrial reforms under liberalisation.

Industrial Reforms

Major Reforms

Reform
Industrial licensing abolished
Private sector entry increased
Small-scale industry dereservation
Market-based pricing introduced

Industries Still Requiring Licensing

Industry
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Hazardous chemicals
Aerospace
Drugs and pharmaceuticals

Important Fact

Only atomic energy and railway core activities remained reserved for public sector.

(NCERT Page 41)


Financial Sector Reforms (NCERT Pages 41–42)

These notes explain reforms in banking and financial institutions.

Financial Sector

Important Institution

Institution Function
RBI Regulates banking system

Major Reforms

Reform
Private banks allowed
Foreign investment increased
Reduced RBI control
FIIs allowed in Indian markets

Important Fact

RBI’s role changed from regulator to facilitator.

Important Concept

Concept Meaning
FII Foreign Institutional Investment

(NCERT Pages 41–42)


Tax Reforms (NCERT Page 42)

These notes explain tax policy reforms.

Tax Reforms

Types of Taxes

Tax Type
Direct taxes
Indirect taxes

Major Changes

Reform
Reduced income tax rates
Lower corporation tax
Simplified tax procedures
GST introduction

Important Fact

GST introduced “One Nation, One Tax”.

Important Year

Event Year
GST Constitutional Amendment 2016

(NCERT Page 42)


Foreign Exchange Reforms (NCERT Page 42)

These notes explain exchange rate reforms.

Foreign Exchange Reforms

Important Measures

Measure
Rupee devaluation
Market-determined exchange rate

Important Fact

Rupee was devalued in 1991 to increase foreign exchange inflow.

(NCERT Page 42)


Trade and Investment Reforms (NCERT Pages 42–43)

These notes explain reforms in foreign trade.

Trade Policy Reforms

Major Measures

Measure
Removal of quantitative restrictions
Reduction in tariffs
Removal of import licensing

Important Fact

Quantitative restrictions removed fully in April 2001.

Important Terms

Term Meaning
Tariff Tax on imports
Quantitative restriction Limit on imports

(NCERT Pages 42–43)


Privatisation (NCERT Pages 44–45)

These notes explain privatisation and disinvestment.

Privatisation

Meaning

Transfer of ownership or management from public sector to private sector.

Methods

Method
Sale of public enterprises
Withdrawal of government ownership

Important Concept

Concept Meaning
Disinvestment Sale of part of government equity

Main Objectives

Objective
Improve efficiency
Increase competition
Attract private investment

(NCERT Pages 44–45)


Navratna, Maharatna and Miniratna Companies (NCERT Page 44)

These notes explain special status given to PSUs.

PSU Categories

Category Example
Maharatna Indian Oil Corporation
Navratna Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Miniratna Airport Authority of India

Important Fact

These PSUs received operational and managerial autonomy.

(NCERT Page 44)


Globalisation (NCERT Pages 45–47)

These notes explain globalisation and its impact.

Globalisation

Meaning

Integration of Indian economy with world economy.

Features

Feature
International interdependence
Free movement of goods
Cross-border investments
Global trade expansion

Important Fact

Globalisation creates a borderless world economy.

(NCERT Pages 45–47)


Outsourcing (NCERT Pages 45–46)

These notes explain outsourcing and BPO services.

Outsourcing

Meaning

Hiring external services from other countries.

Common Outsourced Services

Service
Call centres
Banking services
Accounting
Software services
Medical transcription

Important Fact

India became major outsourcing destination because of:
• Skilled manpower
• Low wage costs
• IT growth

(NCERT Pages 45–46)


World Trade Organisation (WTO) (NCERT Pages 46–47)

These notes explain WTO and its role.

WTO

Important Facts

Feature Details
WTO Established 1995
Predecessor GATT
GATT Established 1948

Main Objectives

Objective
Promote free trade
Remove trade barriers
Ensure rule-based trade

Important Fact

India is an important member of WTO.

(NCERT Pages 46–47)


Indian Economy During Reforms (NCERT Pages 48–52)

These notes explain the impact of reforms.

Economic Performance After Reforms

GDP Growth

Period GDP Growth
1980–91 5.6%
2021–22 9.4%

Important Fact

Service sector became major growth driver.

(NCERT Page 48)


Growth of Foreign Investment (NCERT Page 48)

These notes explain increase in FDI and reserves.

Foreign Investment

Important Facts

Indicator Growth
FDI and FII US $100 million to US $23 billion
Forex reserves US $6 billion to US $646 billion

Important Fact

India became one of the largest holders of foreign exchange reserves.

(NCERT Page 48)


Positive Impact of Reforms (NCERT Pages 48–52)

These notes explain advantages of LPG reforms.

Major Benefits

Benefit
Higher GDP growth
Increase in exports
Growth of IT sector
Rise in foreign exchange reserves
Increased competition
Better technology

Important Fact

India became major exporter of:
• IT software
• Auto parts
• Pharmaceuticals
• Engineering goods

(NCERT Pages 48–52)


Criticism of Reforms (NCERT Pages 49–52)

These notes explain criticisms of economic reforms.

Major Criticisms

Problem
Slow employment growth
Agricultural slowdown
Industrial slowdown
Regional inequality
Public investment decline
Increased inequality

Agriculture Problems

Issue
Reduced subsidies
Increased import competition
Decline in public investment

Industrial Problems

Issue
Cheap imports
Inadequate infrastructure
Competition from foreign goods

(NCERT Pages 49–52)


Conclusion (NCERT Pages 51–52)

These notes explain final assessment of reforms.

Overall Assessment

Positive Outcomes

Outcome
Faster economic growth
Global integration
Better foreign investment
Service sector growth

Negative Outcomes

Outcome
Agriculture neglected
Employment concerns
Regional disparities
Rising inequality

Important Fact

LPG reforms produced both positive and negative effects.

(NCERT Pages 51–52)


Important Topics

These topics are highly important for UPSC, SSC, Railways, CUET and State PSC examinations.

Important Topic NCERT Page
1991 Economic Crisis 39–40
New Economic Policy 40
Liberalisation 41–43
Financial sector reforms 41–42
Tax reforms 42
Privatisation 44–45
Disinvestment 44
Globalisation 45–47
Outsourcing 45–46
WTO 46–47
Impact of reforms 48–52

Important Economic Concepts and Terms

These concepts are frequently asked in examinations.

Concept Explanation NCERT Page
Liberalisation Removal of restrictions 41
Privatisation Transfer to private sector 44
Globalisation Integration with world economy 45
Disinvestment Sale of PSU shares 44
FDI Foreign Direct Investment 48
FII Foreign Institutional Investment 42
Tariff Tax on imports 43
Quantitative Restriction Import limit 43
Outsourcing External hiring of services 45–46
WTO International trade organisation 46

Important Questions

These questions are useful for Boards, UPSC, SSC, CUET and State PSC exams.

Very Short Answer Questions

  1. Why were reforms introduced in India in 1991? (NCERT Pages 39–40)
  2. What is liberalisation? (NCERT Page 41)
  3. What is privatisation? (NCERT Page 44)
  4. What is globalisation? (NCERT Page 45)
  5. What is disinvestment? (NCERT Page 44)
  6. What is outsourcing? (NCERT Pages 45–46)
  7. When was WTO established? (NCERT Page 46)
  8. What is tariff? (NCERT Page 43)
  9. What is FDI? (NCERT Page 48)
  10. What is devaluation of rupee? (NCERT Page 42)

Short Answer Questions

  1. Explain the causes of 1991 economic crisis. (NCERT Pages 39–40)
  2. Explain the New Economic Policy of 1991. (NCERT Page 40)
  3. Describe industrial sector reforms under liberalisation. (NCERT Page 41)
  4. Explain financial sector reforms in India. (NCERT Pages 41–42)
  5. Explain privatisation and disinvestment. (NCERT Pages 44–45)
  6. Describe outsourcing and its importance for India. (NCERT Pages 45–46)
  7. Explain the role of WTO. (NCERT Pages 46–47)

Long Answer Questions

  1. Discuss the 1991 economic crisis and reforms introduced by India. (NCERT Pages 39–43)
  2. Explain liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation in detail. (NCERT Pages 41–47)
  3. Analyse the impact of LPG reforms on Indian economy. (NCERT Pages 48–52)
  4. Explain the role of WTO in global trade. (NCERT Pages 46–47)
  5. Discuss criticisms of economic reforms in India. (NCERT Pages 49–52)

FAQs

These FAQs help in quick conceptual revision.

1. Why did India introduce economic reforms in 1991?

India introduced reforms due to balance of payments crisis, low forex reserves and rising inflation. (NCERT Pages 39–40)

2. What is LPG policy?

LPG stands for Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation. (NCERT Page 40)

3. What is disinvestment?

Disinvestment means selling shares of public sector enterprises to private investors. (NCERT Page 44)

4. Why is India a major outsourcing destination?

India has skilled manpower, low wages and strong IT services. (NCERT Pages 45–46)

5. What is the role of WTO?

WTO promotes international trade through rule-based trading system. (NCERT Pages 46–47)


Quick Revision Summary

These quick revision notes help in last-minute preparation.

  • India faced severe economic crisis in 1991.
  • Forex reserves were enough for only two weeks of imports.
  • India borrowed from IMF and World Bank.
  • NEP 1991 introduced stabilisation and structural reforms.
  • LPG stands for Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation.
  • Liberalisation removed industrial restrictions.
  • RBI role shifted from regulator to facilitator.
  • GST introduced “One Nation, One Tax”.
  • Rupee was devalued in 1991.
  • Quantitative restrictions removed in 2001.
  • Privatisation reduced government ownership.
  • WTO established in 1995.
  • India became major outsourcing destination.
  • Service sector became growth engine after reforms.
  • Forex reserves increased significantly after reforms.
  • Reforms increased growth but also widened inequalities.
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