Source: The post RBI lowers rates to support growth and control inflation has been created, based on the article “RBI’s stimulus is a bold wager on price stability” published in “Live Mint” on 9 June 2025. RBI lowers rates to support growth and control inflation.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economic-growth and development
Context: The article analyses the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) latest policy actions aimed at reviving growth while keeping inflation under control. Faced with weak demand and global uncertainty, RBI has lowered its key rate and infused liquidity to support the economy.
RBI’s Transformation Since 1991
- Crisis Legacy and Market Reforms: A new documentary recalls RBI’s 1991 role, including India’s gold pledge. Since then, RBI embraced reforms—floating the rupee, ending ad hoc borrowing, and allowing private banks.
- Adoption of Inflation Targeting:?In 2016, RBI adopted a flexible inflation targeting framework. Though seen as ambitious, it has largely worked, aligning RBI with global central banks.
- Success in Price Stability: Retail inflation has stayed below 4% since February. RBI recently revised its 2025–26 forecast from 4% to 3.7%, showing price pressures are easing.
Policy Measures to Boost Growth
1.,Rate Cut for Credit Expansion: RBI cut the repo rate by 0.5 percentage points, now at 5.5%, returning to a ‘neutral’ stance. This move aims to ease borrowing and support GDP growth.
- Enhancing Liquidity: Since January, RBI has injected ₹9.5 trillion into the system. It also plans to reduce reserve requirements, enabling banks to lend more.
- Focus on Demand and Investment: RBI wants to revive domestic consumption and investment, seen as “imperative” amid global headwinds and slower-than-expected growth.
Emerging Risks and Market Signals
- Bond Yield Reaction: Surprisingly, 10-year bond yields rose, suggesting markets may sense increased risk or inflation expectations.
- Inflation Risks from Excess Stimulus: RBI’s loose policy could overheat demand and raise prices, especially if global trade costs increase.
- External Uncertainty: Volatile global conditions could amplify domestic inflation and complicate monetary control, despite RBI’s efforts.
The Real Test for RBI
- Credibility Through Rupee Stability: The RBI’s core aim remains an internally stable rupee. Price stability will define its long-term credibility.
- Building Monetary Authority Reputation
By acting boldly yet responsibly, RBI seeks lasting ‘street cred’ as a central bank that can balance growth and inflation control.
Question for practice:
Discuss how the Reserve Bank of India is balancing inflation control with the need to boost economic growth through recent monetary policy measures.
Discover more from Free UPSC IAS Preparation Syllabus and Materials For Aspirants
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.