The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the apex financial institution of the country’s financial system entrusted with the task of control, supervision, promotion, development and planning. RBI is the queen bee of the Indian financial system which influences the commercial banks’ management in more than one way. The RBI influences the management of commercial banks through its various policies, directions and regulations. Its role in bank management is quite unique. In fact, the RBI performs the four basic functions of management, viz., planning, organizing, directing and controlling in laying a strong foundation for the functioning of commercial banks. History of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) In 1921, the Imperial Bank of India was established to perform as central bank of India by the British Government. But unfortunately Imperial Bank failed to show its performance up to the mark and didn’t achieve any success as the Central Bank. Then the Continue reading
Indian Financial System
Narasimham Committee on Banking Sector Reforms (1998)
In spite of the optimistic views about the growth of banking industry in terms of branch expansion, deposit mobilization etc, several distortions such as increasing NPAs and obsolete technology crept into the system, mainly due to the global changes occurring in the world economy. In this context, the finance ministry of Government of India appointed Mr. M. Narasimham as chairman of one more committee, this time it was called as the committee on banking sector reforms. The committee was asked to “review the progress of banking sector reforms to the date and chart a programme on financial sector reforms necessary to strengthen India’s financial system and make it internationally competitive”. The Narasimham committee on banking sector reforms submitted this report to the government in April 1998. This report covers the entire issues relating to capital adequacy, bank mergers, the condition of global sized banks, recasting of banks boards etc. The Continue reading
Promotional Role of Development Banks in India
The pace of development cannot be accelerated by providing financial assistance alone. There are factors which inhibit industrialization of an underdeveloped country. It is essential to make a correct diagnosis of those factors and plan things accordingly. The growth potential of different areas, the availability of natural resources, demand conditions, infrastructure facilities, etc. should be taken into account before deciding the pattern of industrialization of various places. The task of identification of growth potentialities and preparation of feasibility studies is not an easy task. It requires huge finances and technical expertise which is beyond the competence of entrepreneurs of under-developed countries. It is in this area where development banks can play crucial role. In addition to providing the traditional role of providing financial assistance, development banks in India are undertaking promotional role also. Some of the areas where these banks are participating are: (1) Surveys of Backward Areas Under the Continue reading
Gilt-Edged (Government) Securities Market
Government securities refer to the marketable debt issued by the government of semi-government bodies. A government security is a claim on the government. It is a totally securer financial instrument ensuring safety of both capital and income. That is why it is called gilt-edged security or stock. Central Government securities are the safest among all securities. Government securities are issues by: Central Government State Government Semi-Government authorities like local government authorities, e.g., city corporations and municipalities Autonomous institutions, such as metropolitan authorities, port trusts, development trusts, state electricity boards. Public Sector Corporations Other governmental agencies, such as SFCs, NABARD, LDBs, SIDCs, housing boards etc. Characteristics of Gilt-edged Securities Market Gilt-edged securities market is one of the oldest market in India. The market in these securities is a significant part of Indian stock market. Main characteristics of government securities market are as follows: Supply of government securities in the market arises Continue reading
Progression / Transfer of FERA to FEMA
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA) in its existing form became ineffective, therefore, increasingly incompatible with the change in economic policy in the early 1990s. While the need for sustained husbandry of foreign exchange was recognized, there was an outcry for a less aggressive and mellower enactment, couched in milder language. Thus, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) came into being. The scheme of FERA provided for obtaining Reserve Bank’s permission either special or general, in respect of most of the regulations there under. The general permissions have been granted by Reserve bank under these provisions in respect of various matters by issuing a large number of notifications from time to time since the Act came into force from 1st January 1974. Special permissions were granted upon the applicants submitting prescribed applications for the purpose. Thus, in order to understand the operative part of the regulations one had to Continue reading
Money Market in India – Development, Features and Instruments
Money market is an important segment of the financial market (system) as it provides avenue for equilibrating the short term (ranging from overnight up to an year) demand for and supply of funds. It also plays an important role in the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, as it acts as a medium through which the central bank can influence the short term liquidity and interest rates in the financial system. As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) definition, a Money market is “a market for short terms financial assets that are close substitute for money, facilitates the exchange of money in primary and secondary market”. Indian money market was highly regulated and was characterized by limited number of participants. The limited variety and instruments were available. Interest rate on the instruments was under the regulation of Reserve Bank of India. The sincere efforts for developing the money market were made when the Continue reading