Detailed Summary
Monetary measures play a crucial role in controlling inflation within an economy. In this section, we will explore the specific actions taken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to manage inflation through monetary policy. The primary tools include:
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Raising Interest Rates: When the RBI raises interest rates, borrowing becomes more expensive. This action discourages spending and investment, leading to a reduction in demand for goods and services. Consequently, this can help curb inflation.
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Reducing Money Supply: The RBI can reduce the money supply in the economy by various mechanisms, such as selling government securities. A lower money supply means less money is available for consumers and businesses, which helps in controlling inflation by reducing spending power.
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Increasing CRR and SLR: The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) are tools used by the RBI to regulate the amount of funds that banks must hold as reserves. By increasing CRR and SLR, banks are required to hold a larger portion of their deposits in reserve, reducing the amount available for loans and thereby limiting spending, which can help keep inflation in check.
By implementing these monetary measures, the RBI aims to stabilize economic conditions, maintain purchasing power, and promote sustainable economic growth.