Coming to Terms with Inflation

Given the widespread public and government concerns about inflation, now is an appropriate time to address some issues pertaining to its measurement, inflationary expectations, outcomes and the priorities for action. The central government must attempt to construct an internationally acceptable and comparable price index series, the goal of monetary policy on inflation should be made benchmarkable in definite terms, the weights in the available price indices need to be readjusted in the light of recent changes in consumption patterns and the existing surveys on expectations should be put to practical use for developing appropriate policy perspectives.