Deregulation, Ownership, and Productivity Growth: Evidence from Indian Banks

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between deregulation and productivity growth in the context of a mixed developing economy. A generalized shadow cost function approach is used to model the effects of regulation and measure total factor productivity growth. We use a panel of Indian private and public sector banks, observed during 1985-1996, to empirically examine the effect of deregulation on productivity. A disaggregated analysis is done for public and private banks to examine the presence of ownership effects. Our results indicate that significant decline in regulatory distortions and the anticipated increases in total factor productivity growth did not materialize in Indian banking following deregulation. While private sector banks improved their performance mainly due to the freedom to expand output, public sector banks did not respond well to the deregulation measures.

JEL Classification: G21, O16