Monetary Policy Statement, 2020-21 Resolution of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) February 3-5, 2021

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 3rd, 4th and 5th February, 2021 and deliberated on current and evolving macroeconomic and financial developments, both domestic and global. The MPC voted unanimously to leave the policy repo rate unchanged at 4 per cent. It also unanimously decided to continue with the accommodative stance of monetary policy as long as necessary – at least through the current financial year and into the next year – to revive growth on a durable basis and mitigate the impact of COVID-19, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target going forward. The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank rate remain unchanged at 4.25 per cent. The reverse repo rate stands unchanged at 3.35 per cent.

RBI Governor’s Statement – Monetary Policy Statement, 2020-21: Resolution of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) May 20 to 22, 2020

In view of the recent release of Macro Economic Data the RBI preponed the need for an off-cycle meeting of the monetary policy committee (MPC) in lieu of the scheduled meeting to be held during June 3 to 5, 2020. The MPC met on 20th, 21st and 22nd May 2020, the MPC reviewed domestic and global developments and their implications for the outlook. MPC voted unanimously for a reduction in the policy repo rate and for maintaining the accommodative stance of monetary policy as long as necessary to revive growth, mitigate the impact of COVID-19, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target. On the quantum of reduction, the MPC voted with a 5-1 majority to reduce the policy rate by 40 basis points from 4.4 per cent to 4.0 per cent. Consequently, the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank rate stand reduced to 4.25% from 4.65%. The reverse repo rate stands reduced to 3.35% from 3.75%.

RBI’s IInd Dose of Booster Measures to counter Indian Economy during COVID-19 crisis

On April 17th 2020 RBI Governor Shri Shakti Kanta Das announced the second series of measures to give boost to ailing economy by providing relief to various sectors and financial institutions including NBFC. The measures were aimed to (i) maintain adequate liquidity in the system and its constituents in the face of COVID-19 related dislocations; (ii) facilitate and incentivise bank credit flows; (iii) ease financial stress; and (iv) enable the normal functioning of markets.

Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies

RBI released the statement on Development and Regulatory Policies alongwith the 7th Bi-Monthly Policy review on 27th March 2020.This Statement sets out various developmental and regulatory policies that directly address the stress in financial conditions caused by COVID-19. They consist of: (i) expanding liquidity in the system sizeably to ensure that financial markets and institutions are able to function normally in the face of COVID-related dislocations; (ii) reinforcing monetary transmission so that bank credit flows on easier terms are sustained to those who have been affected by the pandemic; (iii) easing financial stress caused by COVID-19 disruptions by relaxing repayment pressures and improving access to working capital; and (iv) improving the functioning of markets in view of the high volatility experienced with the onset and spread of the pandemic. The policy initiatives in this section should be read in conjunction with the MPC’s decision on monetary policy actions and stance in its resolution.

Seventh Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2019-20 – Resolution of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Reserve Bank of India

A day after Modi govt began its economy rescue in right earnest with a Rs 1.70 lakh crore coronavirus counter, the Reserve Bank of India joined the big fight today with a host of measures aimed at minimising the damage from Covid-19.
These measures come just hours after Moody’s Investors Service cut India’s growth forecasts for 2020 calendar year to 2.5% from 5.3%. The MPC decided by 4-2 majority to reduce repo rate by 75 basis points to 4.4 per cent. The reverse repo rate was cut by 90 bps to 4 per cent, creating an asymmetrical corridor.

Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2019-20 – Key Highlights

RBI Monetary Policy Highlights: Future repo rate cuts not being ruled out, says Shaktikanta Das. Despite an expectation of 25 bps repo rate cut, MPC maintained status quo on repo rate at 5.15 percent and accommodative stance.

Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2019-20 – Highlights & Key Takeaways

RBI has cut repo rate by a further 25 basis points. This is the fifth straight rate cut as RBI aids government in boosting economy.
Central bank has lowered GDP growth estimate from 6.9% to 6.1%

RBI Makes External Benchmark Based Interest Rate mandatory for certain categories of loans from October 1, 2019

The government has asked banks to come up with repo-linked loan products for faster transmission of Reserve Bank’s rate cuts to borrowers.

Banking Regulation Act, 1949 – Section 26A Depositor Education and Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014 – Operational Guidelines – Payment of Interest

RBI vide its notification dated 7th June 2018 inform all the Scheduled Commercial Banks (including RRBs), Local Area Banks (LABs), Urban Co-operative Banks / State Co-operative Banks /District Central Co-operative Banks and Small Finance Banks/Payment Banks that wef 1st July 2018 the rate of interest has since been reviewed and it was  decided that the rate of interest payable…

Factors and Policy affecting Bankers

A good and informative article shared from my friend Shri Arvind Mannur’s post:MAJOR POLICIES THAT AFFECT BANKS:All the major policy matters decide the destiny of banks. Look at the following:1. MONETARY POLICY decides the volume of business growth, interest rates on deposits & lending, and all other prudential regulations.2. FISCAL POLICY decides the tax matters…