The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken the decision to keep its policy rates unchanged, maintaining its steady stand on economic measures. The repo rate, at which the central bank lends to the commercial banks, continues to stand at 4 percent. The reverse repo rate, at which RBI borrows from banks, is also held steady at 3.35 percent.
This decision is predicated on the need to counteract the inflationary pressure fueling India’s economy amidst the global health crisis. The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has been consistent in its focus on reviving growth, even if it means inflation temporarily gets beyond its 2-6 percent target range.
The Central bank is focused on ensuring liquidity conditions that would facilitate a seamless passage of funds from lenders to borrowers. The decision to hold rates at the moment is seen as a clear indicator that RBI wants to protect growth despite high inflation.
In maintaining status quo on rates, the RBI has aimed to tread a careful path to pave way for a durable economic recovery. The central bank’s unchanging stance is expected to offer a level of consistency and predictability that could work towards building market confidence and kickstart much-needed economic revival.
Additionally, RBI also decided to continue with its accommodative policy stance. The measure is intended to mitigate the impact of Covid on the economy and spur growth. This accommodative stance will continue as long as necessary to revive and sustain growth on a durable basis and continue to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.
So, by persisting with the prevailing rates, RBI is creating a more conducive environment for ensuing economic revival. Amidst ongoing fiscal challenges, the unchanged rates provide some stability to the changing macroeconomic landscape of the country.