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Monetary Policy – Tools & Role of RBI

Monetary policy is another key tool of macroeconomic management, handled by the central bank.

1. Introduction to Monetary Policy

Monetary policy is a crucial tool used by central banks to regulate the economy. In this section, we will explore the meaning of monetary policy and its importance.

2. Meaning of Monetary Policy

Monetary policy refers to the actions undertaken by a central bank to regulate the supply of money, availability of credit, and interest rates to achieve macroeconomic objectives such as price stability, economic growth, and employment generation.

Role of RBI in India

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central monetary authority responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy.
  • RBI uses policy instruments like repo rate, reverse repo rate, cash reserve ratio (CRR), and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) to manage liquidity and credit conditions.
  • Monetary policy is typically reviewed bi‑monthly through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

3. Instruments (Tools) of Monetary Policy

  1. Repo Rate – rate at which RBI lends short‑term funds to commercial banks.
  2. Reverse Repo Rate – rate at which RBI borrows from banks.
  3. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) – percentage of deposits banks must keep with RBI.
  4. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) – percentage of deposits banks must hold in specified liquid assets.
  5. Open Market Operations (OMO) – RBI’s purchase and sale of government securities.
  6. Qualitative/Credit Controls – margin requirements, credit rationing, moral suasion.

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4. Tight vs Easy Monetary Policy

Tight (Contractionary) Monetary Policy

  • Higher interest rates (repo, reverse repo) to reduce money supply and curb inflation.
  • Higher CRR/SLR to restrict bank lending.
  • Used when inflation is high or the economy is overheating.
  • Effect on Business – Higher borrowing costs, reduced investment, lower consumer demand.

Easy (Expansionary) Monetary Policy

  • Lower interest rates to increase money supply and stimulate demand.
  • Lower CRR/SLR to expand bank credit.
  • Used during recession or slowdown to boost growth and employment.
  • Effect on Business – Cheaper loans, increased investment, higher consumer spending.

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4. Role of RBI in India

  • Formulates and implements monetary policy (through Monetary Policy Committee – MPC).
  • Regulates and supervises banks and NBFCs.
  • Manages currency and foreign exchange reserves.
  • Acts as banker to government.

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5. Quick Revision Points

  • Monetary policy = central bank’s policy on money, credit and interest rates.
  • Instruments: repo, reverse repo, CRR, SLR, OMO and qualitative controls.
  • Tight policy to control inflation; easy policy to support growth.

6. Quiz Time 🎯

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