Banks not passing benefits of rate cut to borrowers: RBI

According to RBI Deputy Governor Chakrabarty reduction in policy rates will not serve any purpose unless banks bring down their spreads and pass on the benefits to borrowers........

Read - Moneylife

Dr Chakrabarty’s concerns are shared by most bank customers. But here bankers and policy makers will say market forces are at work. If banks can accept deposits at very low rates and lend after retaining a 3 to 5 per cent Net Interest Margin why should they work harder to improve their working in favour of their clientele?

- M G WARRIER

Role of Monetary Policy in fiscal ability a global debate

......"It is not surprising, therefore, that the RBI, which is emerging as a role model for monetary stability, has decided to wait and watch till, perhaps, the second Quarter Monetary Policy review in October, for any further cut in policy rates"......

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One-Minute Guide | Cash reserve ratio

I am part of every scheduled commercial bank’s overall cash balance. I am that portion of the banks’ net demand and time liabilities or deposits which needs to be kept in a current account maintained with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).......

Read - Mint

RBI Monetary Policy: Calculated pause or characteristic freeze?

......Writing a foreword to a book authored by former Governor of Reserve Bank Y V Reddy, Andrew Sheng, the former Chairman of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission explains why Asians instinctively "freeze" when they encounter a crisis. Has RBI made a calculated pause or sensing a crisis has it frozen? 

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RBI stands pat, but may soon have to sprint

......Yet, India Inc need not turn to the wall and sob. At least, not yet. For, the RBI’s small move on Monday may just be the trailer with big action to come the next time round. Yes, the RBI may be blinded by its concern over inflation, but it cannot be deaf to the clanging alarm bells on low industrial output growth......

Read - HBL

Rate cut demand, an obsession - M.Y.Khan

The Reserve Bank’s policy announcements would go a long way in silencing the hue and cry over decreasing the repo rate and the reverse repo rate in order to make available cheap bank credit. The recent increases in interest rate have been a cause of stress for the business community. But investment is not directly impacted by interest; it is affected by profit. Therefore, the clamour for lowering rates seems overstated, and the RBI, perhaps realising that, has responded appropriately by reducing only the cash reserve ratio (CRR)......

Read - HBL

Sceptical of reforms, will RBI cut rates in October?

......“I am very confident that between now and October 30, since the government is expected to take a number of additional policy measures and also lay out the path of fiscal correction, the response of RBI on October 30 will be far more supportive of growth,......

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Understanding RBI's move to slash cash reserve ratio

......Undoubtedly Governor Subbarao is not taking his eyes off the inflation rate, which is still not in  the comfort zone. In the latest monetary review, RBI has  kept the repo rate unchanged at eight per cent.......

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Subbarao says he could have done better

A simmering political cauldron, stoked by the recent decisions of the Finance Ministry to hike fuel prices and FDI limits in retail, is likely to now boil over, with RBI Governor D. Subbarao admitting to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigating the 2G scam that he could have performed better in his role as Finance Secretar......

Read - The Hindu

Subbarao takes the middle path

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor D. Subbarao  seems to be a believer in majjhima patipada, or the middle path of Buddhist philosophy—moderation. So there was no rate cut in the mid-quarter policy of the central bank on Monday; instead there was a cut in banks’ cash reserve ratio (CRR), or the portion of deposits that commercial banks need to keep with the central bank............

Read - Mint

RBI: Cautious, careful, correct

The stage was set by the government over the weekend with big ticket announcements - the diesel hike, the FDI opening up, the PSU divestment. All that was required, we are led to believe, to get the party rocking was the RBI " do its bit" to get the crowd on its feet and on to the dance floor. The " do its bit" concerned the one thing that corporate India has consistently asked the RBI to do - cut interest rates. That is the story that marked the weekend, built the expectations and raised the pressure on the RBI as it went into the mid- quarter monetary policy review on Monday. Fortunately, the RBI has not succumbed entirely........

Details

Striking a balance

....The latest policy moves announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday can be seen in tandem with the reform announcements from New Delhi last week. Together, they should improve investor sentiment in the short term. But not enough has been done to address the longer-term structural problems in the Indian economy....

Read - Mint

RBI does minimum

......The RBI’s action should be seen as the absolute minimum it could do in order to express support for the apparent increase in activity from the Central government on reform and fiscal consolidation, without compromising the fight against inflation. Indeed, the RBI’s statement says as much. On its future course of action, the central bank says that “as policy actions to stimulate growth materialise, monetary policy will reinforce the positive impact of these actions while maintaining its focus on inflation management. Only this will ensure that the economy derives the maximum benefit from the recent, and anticipated, fiscal and supply-side policy measures.”......

Read - BS

CRR cut more potent than rate: PMEAC

......"The RBI has taken a cautious step. The latest data on inflation has not been encouraging...Under the circumstances, I believe this (25 bps reduction in CRR – cash reserve ratio) is the maximum the Reserve Bank could have done," ......

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RBI issues guidelines on treatment of banks' illiquid assets

The Reserve Bank today issued draft guidelines on prudent valuation of banks' long-term assets which are illiquid in nature. "The prudent valuation adjustment for illiquid positions has assumed greater importance in the wake of the recent financial crisis," RBI said in the draft supplementary guidance.......

Read - BS

RBI unlocks Rs. 17000 cr bank funds with CRR cut

Water purifier donated to school lies idle

.....Mr. Subba Rao procured a purifier from Mumbai to donate to the school in keeping with his promise to provide safe drinking water to the students. The students with poor social and economic background, told Mr. Subba Rao during his visit to the school a couple of years ago, where he had studied up to VII standard, ......

Read - The Hindu

RBI plays wait-and-watch game as politics dominates

......Considering the state of the Indian economy and governance, the reforms did not merit immediate rate action. Market and economy watchers should be patient and wait for FDI — “foreign direct investment” — approvals to go through. Perhaps Subbarao was watching the political game instead of succumbing to the excitement of the moment.......

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Easy money? Not just yet, says RBI

Read - Mint

CRR cut a welcome step in right direction: Montek

......"..What RBI has done is that they have acted in the market by releasing resources. It is the release of resources that will make an impact on the rest of the system. It is a step in the right direction, "......

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Analysts says CRR cut indicates RBI's concern on growth

 Analysts and economists have welcomed the RBI decision to keep the rates unchanged in view of the sticky inflation and increase the liquidity with a marginal CRR cut, saying an interest reduction is a bit too far off as the positive impact of the reform measures will take a while to materialise.......

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Lending rate to pinch less

RATE CUT MUST WAIT BUT DOVISH TONE IS HERE

“Given the comfortable liquidity and the recent reduction in deposit rates by banks, interest rates in general could be expected to trend downwards gradually”                                                                                         Chanda Kochhar                                                                                    MD & CEO, ICICI Bank

It is a positive move but not to the extent we hoped for. It shows that RBI is willing to respond. Our asset liability committee will meet tomorrow to take a call on interest rates Pratip Chaudhuri Chairman, State Bank of India

“Everyone was expecting a rate cut this time. However, RBI seems to be waiting for inflation to soften further. So, probably in the next 6 weeks or so, we can expect a rate cut. Banks have already started lowering rates and a cut by RBI next time will help consumers get relief”                                                                                            Rajeev Talwar                                                                                   Executive Director, DLF

Read - BS

Sound strategy

......Without in any way discounting monetary policy’s role in supporting the growth revival, the RBI is categorical in stating that continuing inflationary pressures alongside risks emerging from the current account deficit and fiscal deficit constrain a stronger policy response to growth risks. Restricting monetary action to a CRR cut for now is a good idea.......

Read - The Hindu

RBI is giving positive signal; repo cut may come in Oct

......The CRR cut will infuse around Rs 17,000 crore into the system and this infusion is not going to do wonders for systemic liquidity and bank credit growth. However, the CRR cut is definitely a precursor for policy easing in RBI’s forthcoming policy review in October 2012.......

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Sorry, no gifts: Why the RBI held back on rate cut, again

......"As policy actions to stimulate growth materialize, monetary policy will reinforce the positive impact of these actions while maintaining its focus on inflation management," ......

Read - Business Today

Smiling Appa - The Boss

 "Hearty GR Archived..............."

This is a second shocking news within a short time of two three weeks after sudden and shocking demise of Smt Anitha Srinivasan GM RBI Chnadigarh. Shri GR Appa was my first boss (Staff Officer) when I joined RBI in 1974.  He was very witty and had a knack to extract the work very smilingly from his juniors. I would always cherish fond memories of GR. May God rest his soul in peace and give courage to his family to sustain the shock. 

-  Ramakant Kulkarni

Ex.Member of Faculty CAB Pune and Ex. GM NABARD Pune

Emerging Kerala: Submerged priorities

......Reserve bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Subir Gokarn was a lone sane voice in the sound and fury created by the indoor festival that was “Emerging Kerala” in Kochi. He said the state should exploit the inherent strengths while planning for economic development. Kerala has all the potential to develop at par with some of the developed countries.......

Read - Moneylife

Currency time-bomb: Counterfeit notes galore with election in the corner !

......It would appear the very purpose of having test runs with Rs 10 polymer currency notes by the RBI was to see and assess the market reaction and, perhaps, introduce the polymer notes on a gradual basis, if and when a final decision is taken by the government. We need to take care of higher denominations rather than small notes !......

Read - Moneylife

RBI’s prescription for ailing economy

......The most disturbing feature of the whole exercise is the bankers' attitude to these accounts. Governor Subbarao is more blunt when he says: " The general impression I got is that frontline, managers treat no- frills accounts as a nuisance and low income households as an intrusion into their time and business. This is disappointing to say the least. Actually, financial inclusion should be looked upon by banks as an opportunity to build " fortune at the bottom of the pyramid". Outsourcing financial inclusion to other layers may be useful upto a point. Ultimately, these layers have to be integrated with the mainstream banking.

Details

Subbarao's tightrope walk

The govt has shown its animal spirit, but for RBI Governor D Subbarao, the task has become more complicated. Will he cut rates to keep the animal spirit going or stick to his anti-inflationary stance......

Read - BS

An uncommon policy review

......It is a judgement call; but at the risk of sticking out my neck, my hunch is that the Governor will find it hard to not meet the government halfway and announce a small 25-percentage-point cut in policy rates, most likely in the cash reserve ratio, the subject of a hotly-contested debate between SBI chairman Pratip Chaudhuri and RBI Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty. Though as a die-hard monetarist, I would be happy to be proved wrong !

Read - ET

Hearty GR Archived……

Shri G R Kulkarni, Ex.AGM and In charge of the then CRDC (now Reserve Bank of India Archieves), Pune expired due to heart attack on September 15, 2012. He was on his way to Pune Rly Stn. to catch Pragati Express at about 7 in the morning.  After getting down from an Auto he suddenly felt uncomfortable and succumbed to massive heart attack on the spot. He was 74. He left behind his wife and two daughters. Funeral took place in Pune on the same day. Shri Kulkarni joined the Bank in early sixities and had worked in DBOD, DICGC, Chennai Office, PPD CO and CRDC (during 1995 to January 1998). He had retired as Asstt General Manager (Adm) from CAB, Pune.  He was quite hale and hearty. He was very friendly with all and was popularly known as "Appa ". May his Soul rest in peace and may Almighty give strength to bereaved family to bear the loss. 

- R.M.Deole & Shrikrishna Purohit (via e-mail) 

Banks need to improve systems to protect asset quality: RBI

Indian banks need to improve their systems and processes to identify early any stress on the quality of their loans, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said. "Asset quality of banks is one of the most important indicators of their financial health. However, it has been observed that existing MIS on the early warning systems of asset quality, needed improvement," ......

Read - BS

Will RBI tango with govt on Monday?

Though the government surprised people by biting not just one reform bullet but many in just 48 hours over the weekend, the question now is: Will the RBI Governor walk the much-needed monetary extra-mile on Monday or will be weighed down by the 68 bps spike in August inflation?......

Read - TOI

Finance ministry to meet bank chiefs today to boost realty lending

......The panel, headed by Ajai Kumar, chairman and managing director of Corporation Bank, is expected to give its report by month-end. Mittal will also attend the meeting of the sub-committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The sub-committee is headed by RBI Governor, D Subbarao, in which all financial sector regulators are members. RBI deputy governors also attend the FSDC sub-committee meetings.......

Read - BS

Beware! Fraudsters using RBI to trap innocents

...... RBI never asks for any details about customers’ account,” a Jammu based RBI official expressed. He said that RBI’s official website is www.rbi.org.in adding, “RBI through its website warns people about the cheaters and the phishing emails.” RBI cautious public against fictitious offers, never asks customers about their bank details, he said and added, “if anybody has complaint, it can be lodged to a local police, cyber crime authorities against such fictitious offers of money from abroad and SMSes.”......

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Rs 13-cr fake notes in 6 yrs, ICICI Bank puts in plaint

After detecting counterfeit currency with a face value of around Rs 13 crore from all the branches of ICICI Bank, the bank has registered a complaint with Delhi Police. Over the past six years, the bank has received this fake currency notes through its various branches......

Read - The Pioneer

OBC launches RuPay with withdrawal limit of Rs 25K

......"RuPay is a domestic branded card and the idea is to make card payment system cost effective. Cost and affordability are the primary reasons for the need of it," A P Hota, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that governs RuPay system, said.......

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Bank of Maharashtra organises SLBC Meeting

Gujarat HC order may set tone for AP court MFI verdict

......“The Gujarat high court order can have a persuasive value on the case, though it is not binding on the Andhra Pradesh high court,” said Bomi Daruwala, a partner at legal firm Vaish Associates Advocates. “The central Reserve Bank of India Act will prevail over the state law on regulation of NBFCs, as ruled by the Gujarat high court.”......

Read - Mint

No currency

Sometime ago, Baba Ramdev had suggested taking Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes out of circulation as a measure to curb black money. Possible? No, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty told someone who asked the question at an event. Withdrawing these notes and introducing an equal amount of money in lower denominations was beyond the current capacity of the mint, he explained. So, doing this would stall many day-to-day transactions. The question is whether the yoga guru-turned activist will understand this simple truth.

BS

Model education loan scheme set for an overhaul

......Although RBI mandates banks to lend 40 per cent of their total advances, towards agriculture, education, home loans, SMEs and MSMEs to achieve the priority sector lending target, there is no limit specified for each sector.

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Despite everything, RBI may lower rates

.........the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will once again take stock of the global and domestic economic scenario and brief the markets about its views and course of action. To understand what to expect from the RBI, it would be useful to chronicle recent developments in the domestic and global front which will impinge upon monetary policy......

Read - HBL

Four weddings and no funeral

......The rupee has, like other non-dollar currencies, seen a fairly significant rally both in the build-up to QE3 and in the wake of the announcement itself. The fact that the QE3 news came on a day when our own government decided to announce fairly hefty increases in fuel prices just added to the currency’s momentum. If the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decides to reciprocate this fiscal initiative with a cut in the repo rate, more appreciation could be on the cards as investor sentiment gets another boost. But how high can the rupee go?......

Read - BS

Political will, need of the hour to sustain euphoria

......With the Government doing its part on reforms, now all eyes are on the Reserve Bank of India's mid-quarter review of the Monetary Policy on Monday. There is an air of optimism among traders that the RBI might actually announce at least 25 basis point cut in interest rates. However, inflation at 7.55 per cent in August – much above the central bank's comfort level – has given little headroom for RBI......

Read - HBL

All eyes on RBI in the reform run

......Most economists and bankers are sceptical. But the Finance Ministry is optimistic, pinning hopes on the RBI’s statement of July 30 on “Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments First Quarter Review”.......

Read - HBL

Policy rate caution

With the “party” that began over the weekend, there have been calls for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to take it easy and cut the policy rate..........

Read - Mint

RBI’s turn

The government’s barrage of announcements complicates Governor Subbarao’s choice

......The set of policy measures announced last week is unlikely to yield results this fiscal. The headline inflation at 7.55 per cent is high and is climbing again. Two weeks later, the diesel price rise will push it one per cent more. Yet if the RBI governor wants to vote for optimism on the economy, a 50 basis point cut in repo rates will do nicely......

Read - Indian Express

What will RBI do?

Will the RBI cut rates on Monday or maintain the status quo?

Answers to that would depend upon whether the RBI thinks that the diesel price hike is the starting point of an earnest attempt on the part of the government to mend its finances. In the recent past, the RBI has consistently complained of government inaction in the face of a burgeoning fiscal deficit. So it had to fight the inflation battle single-handedly. With a new finance minister and first concrete proof of government’s willingness to take tough measures, the RBI has some leeway to go easy on interest rates.

Read - The Hindu

Will the central bank go for a rate cut?

......In normal circumstances, a rate cut by the Indian central bank is ruled out even though Asia’s third largest economy is slowing. But I would like to believe the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may go for a rate cut to send a signal to the market, if not for anything else.......

Read - Mint

RBI needs to take 'calculated risks' and cut rates

......It is time the Reserve Bank gets rid of its obsession with the inflation numbers, while completely ignoring grave situation thrown in by constantly decelerating industrial growth, Assocham President Rajkumr Dhoot said. "We would urge the RBI to stop taking baby steps, if at all, and go in for calculated risks to revive the industrial output," he said......

Read - ET

Government mulls financial products to dampen gold demand

The government and financial sector regulators-the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India -are in discussions to launch financial products intended to discourage demand for gold in its physical form and excessive speculation in real estate...........

Read - ET

Kangra Co-op Bank adopts RTGS

......Kangra Bank is the largest urban co-operative Bank of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It is said to be the first Co-operative Bank not only in NCTD Delhi but also in northern region of the country to have joined RTGS network run by the Reserve Bank of India......

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RBI approves reappointment of Ananthakrishna as Karnataka Bank chairman

Reserve Bank of India has conveyed its approval for reappointment of Ananthakrishna as part-time chairman of city based private sector bank - The Karnataka Bank Ltd a further period of three years, as proposed by bank's board of directors........

Read - TOI

RBI Governor D Subbarao faces great dilemma as calls for a rate cut gets louder

They are three very different gentlemen in the same boat. One, known for his lung power, strong views and occasionally unfortunate choice of words, is a favourite of the media. You are tempted to believe him, but fear his views may be brushed aside later. 

The second has a towering personality and a baritone, complete with wavy hair and Marx-like beard. The man leaves you bewildered. 

The third, their boss, armed with a disarming sense of humour, is soft-spoken and transparent - perhaps too transparent that borders on being simplistic. It's entertaining listening to their divergent views on the same subject in the course of a fortnight.........

Read - ET

Will RBI governor D Subbarao now take momentum into high gear and cut rates?

...... Will he? Will he not? Two pithy questions best sum up the expectations from the Reserve Bank of India Governor as he prepares to review monetary policy on Monday......

Highlights and rationale of the recommendations of the working group to review the existing prudential guidelines on restructuring of advances

Keynote address of Mr B Mahapatra, Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, at the 

round table on the highlights and rationale of the working group to review the existing prudential guidelines on restructuring of advances by bank/financial institutions, organised by the Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL), Mumbai, 13 September 2012

.......One group of commentors have expressed reservations on some of the recommendations of the working group; the other commentors, particularly the print media, have generally appreciated the recommendations. I, as the chairperson of the working group accept the brickbats and bouquets with all humility. I am grateful to CAFRAL for organising this round table and giving me an opportunity to explain the highlights and rationale of the recommendations of the working group.......

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My View on "Prepaid payment instruments yet to pick up: RBI"

Growth of prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) continues to be sluggish though non-bank entities also can issue them, said G. Padmanabhan, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India......

Read - The Hindu

The payment system should be improved in such a way that it should gradually lead to elimination of corruption, black money and high denomination notes of Rs 500 and 1000.Prepaid instruments should be made compulsory in high value transaction areas like bullion and other commodity markets, whole sale markets in vegetables and fruits, scrap dealings, etc. Trails of transactions should not be the immediate objective although it may be the end result,as it may discourage many to switch over to PPIs. The efficiency of the Payment System should be one of the yard sticks to assess the inherent strength of the economy. This will also make Financial and banking inclusion a reality over a period. The economy will definitely get a boost if payment system is improved with all safety,speed and accuracy. With improved IT system, the efficiency of the Payment system can easily be targeted and achieved. Many of the present ills of the economy, the Payment system will prove to be a solution.

-  Dr.T.V.Gopalakrishnan

RBI ED's optimism along with the comments of Dr T V Gopalakrishnan give some hope about some changes and improvement in the payment system. Perhaps RBI and GOI could consider introducing new and innovative PPIs. Gold-backed Debit Cards could be one option. If a depositor agrees to maintain an average balance of a pre-decided amount, his account should be credited with gold of equivalent value.He should be in a position to withdraw cash, make payments and buy things using the card, but his balances in the account will vary with the price of gold any day. This is just an example. Similar instruments against commodities and services could be thought of.The present position of major portion of PPIs in sort of cash certificates is not very encouraging. As Dr TVG hints, PPIs should also become instruments for bringing transactions which will not otherwise get through formal channels get into banking system.

-  M G WARRIER

A cashless India

...... Over the period April 2006 -June 2010, currency has shown a yearly growth rate of 17 per cent. It is estimated that for 2009-10, the RBI incurred an annual cost of Rs 2,800 crore to just print the currency notes. This is 0.4 per cent of the total currency in circulation. The need to move towards a cashless payment economy is perhaps more in India because of the cost of printing, distributing and processing cash. This cost does not include the cost of storage, transportation, security, detection of counterfeits, etc . To the printing cost, if we were to add the cost of storage and maintaining these currencies through ATMs alone, the cost of printing and disbursing currency comes to approximately Rs 70 per person per year......

Read - BS

State ranks 4th in seizure of fake currency

Going by the number of FIRs registered in connection with seizure of counterfeit currency, Gujarat stands fourth among the states, an RTI query has revealed. Between 2009-10, over 480 instances of seizures were reported from the state, which is slightly less than those reported in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, according to information given by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to a New Delhi-based RTI activist, Subhash Chandra Agarwal, recently.......

Read - Indian Express

RBI cautions public against fraudulent mails

.....The mail also informs the bank account holders about the RBI setting up a new 24x7 Centralised Monitoring Centre to monitor financial transaction flow from the internet banking account. "The RBI clarifies it has not sent any such mail and has not set up any 24x7 Centralised Monitoring Centre to monitor financial transaction flow from the internet banking account," it said....... 

Read - TOI

Supporting policy needed to lower business risks: Gokarn

Kochi: Regulators need to maintain a balance between regulation and innovation as per local requirements, RBI Deputy Governor Subir Gokarn said on Friday as he pitched for a supporting policy framework to lower business risks. Speaking at the three-day 'Emerging Kerala' investors meet, Gokarn said one of the constant watch points of regulators is to make sure that balance is maintained between regulation and innovation.........

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Assess strengths of State: Gokarn

Kochi : Inherent strengths of Kerala should be evaluated while evolving a long-term development strategy for the State, said Subir Gokarn, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Addressing a session on financial services as part of the Emerging Kerala summit here on Friday, he called for measures to ensure meaningful financial inclusion. Barriers to growth and policy interventions should be studied for a proper perspective. Innovations driven by specific needs and the ability to scale up were important factors in the development scenario, but unbridled innovation would be harmful, he said..........

Read - The Hindu

Malegam Report to be implemented soon: RBI

Participating in a Punjab and Maharashtra cooperative bank event in Bombay H R Khan Deputy Governor of the RBI said the apex bank would soon implement the suggestions made by the Malegam Committee on the cooperative banks. The committee, among other things, has recommended a dual approach of having a board of directors   appoint a board of management to run the cooperative banks and a relaxation of entry norms for the cooperative banks in the areas not yet covered by banking services, the RBI deputy added.........

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Why monetary policy will not work?

......Come September 17, and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will have a mid-quarterly review of monetary policy to take stock of the current liquidity scenario and inflation. This meeting has gained relevance after Thursday’s hike in diesel price by Rs 5 a litre and the cap on the use of subsidised cooking gas to six cylinders per year. Will this undermine RBI efforts to control inflation?......

Read - HBL

RBI hints at holding rates, says inflation top priority

Ahead of the mid-quarter review of the monetary policy on Monday, senior-most Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor K.C. Chakrabarty today said the top priority is to keep inflation under control.......

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A bitter medicine

......Now that the Government has shown through its latest actions that it is serious about fiscal discipline, and the monsoon’s turnaround since August has also somewhat eased inflationary expectations, the RBI can afford to be more accommodative.

Read - HBL

All eyes on Mint Road, will Subbarao oblige?

......The man at the helm, RBI Governor D Subbarao, is surely feeling the heat, to do his bit......

Read - BS

Inflation spike means RBI won’t say ‘Subbarao khush hua..’

......The diesel hike will make RBI Governor a bit less testy, but the inflation spike may not be enough to smile and say: “Subbarao khush hua…”.  Given these circumstances, the RBI is likely to stay put. After all, a rate cut is not a quick fix, and even if it is, a quick fix is not a long-term solution.

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RBI's inaction on rate likely to continue

......."While Thursday's decision opens up a bit of room for RBI to act on September 17, we expect the RBI to remain on a pause mode given the extreme hawkish rhetoric on inflation in the recent past. RBI is likely to wait and..............

Read - BS

A wave of bold decisions: Has MMS got his mojo back?

......As India heads towards the weekend, there will be lots for analysts and the corporate sector to discuss ahead of Monday’s RBI meeting. One big point of discussion will have to centre around whether one of the architects of the 1991 reforms, the man who is now Prime Minister, has hit a purple patch once again.

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SBI sees no case for further CRR cut by RBI at present

...."CRR cut is a wish list for every bank. Any time CRR is cut, banks add to their bottomline. But if liquidity is the determining criterion, then I do not see a CRR cut....

Read - Business Today

Customers paying more for banking services

.....Data for the indices were compiled by the RBI on the basis of responses from 21 banks, of which 13 were in the public sector, four were private, two were foreign banks, one was a cooperative bank and one was a regional rural bank.

Read - HBL

RBI ranks Bengal among laggards in drawing FDI

......During the period under review, the Kolkata regional office of RBI, has received a paltry FDI proposal to the tune of R46 crore. The states which one step ahead of West Bengal is Kerala but with a huge difference, with RBI’s Kochi office recording FDI proposal worth R104 crore during the same period. While the apex bank’s Kolkata regional office caters to West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Kochi regional office caters of Kerala and Lakshadweep. Following RBI’s Kolkata office is the Bhopal office, which caters to Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, whose fresh FDI proposal records during April-June 2012 is slightly lesser at Rs. 35 crore.......

Read - Hindustan Times

2G scam: RBI Governor Subbarao to appear before JPC

 RBI Governor D Subbarao, who was the Finance Secretary when 2G licences were allocated, will appear before the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the issue as a witness on Sept 18. He was the Finance Secretary between Apr 2007 and Sept 2008.......

Read......

Cashless society will help weed out corruption: Khan

.....“We want that we should move towards a less cash society. There is a need for the predominant cash in the society to go down,” .......

Read - The Hindu

Large cash market main driver of corruption: RBI

Mumbai: Stating that the circulation of a large amount of cash in the economy leads to many problems, including corruption, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor H R Khan today said the central bank is focused on bringing  down the cash component in the economy. "We want that we should move towards a less cash society. There is a need for the predominant cash in the society to go down," Khan told reporters at the sidelines of a Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank event here..........

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