Monday, November 19, 2012

RBI-FinMin conflict of views is old hat in India

......Chidambaram needs to understand the RBI’s role in the country’s economy and gracefully acknowledge it. The key area where things began to clash is when the government seemed to go public on some of its preferences but without being prepared for the consequences. When Subbarao took over as RBI Governor, the initial perception was that since he is from North Block, the Government (read: MoF) could manoeuvre him, especially on the (interest) rate front. However, Subbarao turned out to be a part of that disappearing breed of civil servants who not only know what they are doing but are also willing to make timely decisions – without any fear or favour – and accept responsibility for them. It’s too bad for his critics, as he knows macroeconomics well.

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