The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been at the forefront of driving financial inclusion and fostering digital innovation within the Indian economy. With a vision to empower every citizen with access to formal financial services and to catalyze the transition towards a digitally inclusive society, the RBI has implemented a series of reforms aimed at bridging the gap between the served and the underserved sections of the population. Through strategic policy interventions and regulatory frameworks, the RBI has championed initiatives that promote the penetration of banking services into the remotest corners of the country while simultaneously encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies. These reforms not only seek to enhance the accessibility and affordability of financial services but also to revolutionize the landscape of India’s financial ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.
Tags: GS Paper – 3 Monetary Policy– Banking Sector & NBFCs– Fiscal Policy- Capital Market- Government Budgeting
Context:
- Recently, the RBI governor announced policy changes to boost economic inclusivity and leverage technology for economic activities.
What are Recent Developments Proposed by RBI?
- Cash Deposit Facility by Unified Payment Interface (UPI):
- Customers will be able to deposit cash at cash deposit machines (CDMs) in banks and ATMs using the UPI app, eliminating the need for a debit card.
- UPI integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering various banking features, seamless fund routing, and merchant payments.
- UPI is the largest system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), including National Automated Clearing House (NACH), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), and RuPay.
- Allowing Third-Party App Access to UPI for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs):
- RBI proposes allowing third-party UPI apps for making UPI payments from PPI wallets, expanding the current requirement of using web or mobile apps provided by PPI issuers.
- PPIs facilitate the purchase of goods and services, financial transactions, and remittances using stored money, which can be loaded/reloaded through various means.
- Permitting FPIs to Invest in Sovereign Green Bonds:
- To enhance non-resident participation in Sovereign Green Bonds, eligible foreign investors in the International Financial Services Centre will be authorised to invest in these bonds.
- Sovereign Green Bonds fund projects with positive environmental impacts like renewable energy and green buildings, offering fixed-income payments.
- Mobile App for Retail Direct Scheme:
- A mobile app will be introduced for the Retail Direct scheme launched in November 2021, enabling individual investors to hold gilt accounts with the RBI and invest in government securities.
- Gilt accounts are maintained for holding Government securities.
- Review of Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR):
- RBI plans to review the LCR framework for better liquidity risk management by banks.
- The LCR measures the proportion of high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) held by financial institutions to cover 30 days’ net outflow under stressed conditions, with a minimum LCR of 100%.
- HQLAs include cash, short-term bonds, excess Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) assets, and the Facility to Avail Liquidity for Liquidity Coverage Ratio (FALLCR).
UPSC Civil Services Examinations, Previous Year Questions
Prelims:
Q1. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
(b) Digital currency will replace the physical currency in about two decades.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
Ans: (a)
Q2. Concerning digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018)
- The BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
- While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, the BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q:1 Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (2019)
FAQs
1. What are the key objectives behind RBI’s reform for financial inclusion?
- Answer: RBI aims to promote access to formal financial services for all segments of society, especially the unbanked and underbanked populations. This reform seeks to empower individuals economically, foster inclusive growth, and reduce disparities in access to financial services across regions and demographics.
2. How does RBI plan to enhance digital innovation in the financial sector?
- Answer: RBI is fostering digital innovation by encouraging the adoption of technology-driven solutions such as mobile banking, digital payments, and blockchain. This includes promoting the development of fintech startups, regulating digital payment systems, and collaborating with stakeholders to create a conducive ecosystem for innovation.
3. What measures is RBI taking to address barriers to financial inclusion?
- Answer: RBI is implementing various measures, including simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, enabling interoperability among payment systems, promoting financial literacy, and expanding the reach of banking services through initiatives like banking correspondents and micro ATMs in rural areas.
4. How does RBI ensure the security and integrity of digital financial services?
- Answer: RBI enforces robust regulatory frameworks and standards to safeguard the security and integrity of digital financial services. This includes setting guidelines for data protection, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and customer authentication to ensure safe and reliable digital transactions.
5. What role do banks and fintech companies play in RBI’s reform for financial inclusion and digital innovation?
- Answer: Banks and fintech companies are key stakeholders in RBI’s reform agenda. Banks are encouraged to expand their outreach, particularly in underserved areas, while fintech firms are encouraged to innovate and collaborate with traditional financial institutions to develop inclusive and innovative financial products and services. This collaborative approach fosters competition, efficiency, and customer-centricity in the financial sector while promoting greater financial inclusion and digital adoption.
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