Monetary policy framework is being reviewed: Shaktikanta Das

In a bid to keep inflation under specified level, the government in 2016 had decided to set up Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by RBI Governor entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark policy rate (repo rate).

The six-member panel, which had its first meeting in October 2016, was given the mandate to maintain annual inflation at 4 per cent until March 31, 2021 with an upper tolerance of 6 per cent and a lower tolerance of 2 per cent.

“The monetary policy framework is in operation for three and a half years. We have initiated aprocess of internal review of how the monetary policy framework has worked,” Das said. “We have commenced an internal review of the working of the monetary policy-framework, and going forward by the middle of the current calendar year, that’s by June or so, we will be holding a round table with all analysts and experts and other stakeholders to do further consultations including the government at the appropriate time,” he said.

Obviously, RBI has to interact with the Centre as the framework is a part of the law, he said, adding, “so, naturally government has to take a view.” With regard to monetary policy transmission, the Governor said, it is steadily improving and is expected to improve further.

“Transmission is improving. If you see it was 49 basis points transmission for new loans in the December MPC. In February MPC, it has gone up to 69 basis points. So it is steadily improving,” he said.

On Feb 6, the six member-MPC, for the second meeting in a row, kept repo rate unchanged at 5.15 pc but maintained accommodative policy stance which implies it was biased in favour of cutting rate to boost growth.