As governments around the world, including the Indian government, mount a fiscal response to the Covid-19 crisis, the question of how to finance it has risen to prominence. We argue that the option of the central bank monetizing the additional government debt and then writing it off offers a pragmatic way out.
Consumer payment choice is based on heterogeneous preferences, availability, usage costs, and effective taxes. We examine the consequences of this choice on consumption distribution, aggregate output, welfare and the shadow economy. We analyze India's sudden demonetization of 86% of the cash in circulation with new notes gradually being replaced over the next several months. The welfare cost of this liquidity shock was equivalent to 1% of total consumption. Even though all consumers experienced a decline in welfare, its extent varied depending on the degree of cash dependence and the ability to switch to non-cash payments. The middle consumption deciles were disproportionately affected.
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