Which among the following is called the rate of interest charged by RBI for lending money to various commercial banks by rediscounting of the bills in India?
-
- Bank rate
- Discount window
- Monetary Policy
- Overnight rate
Correct Answer: Bank rate
Answer Explanation
Bank Rates are the rates at which the central bank (RBI in India) lends money to commercial banks by discounting bills. By rediscounting, the central bank buys eligible bonds or bills from commercial banks before they mature. The Bank Rate is set by the central bank and serves as a benchmark for the broader interest rate environment in the economy.
This correct answer (a) accurately reflects that the Bank Rate is specifically tied to the rediscounting of bills. The Bank Rate affects the following aspects of the economy:
Lending costs:
The Bank Rate influences the cost of borrowing funds from the central bank. When the Bank Rate rises, borrowing costs for banks rise, which impacts lending rates.
Monetary policy transmission:
The Bank Rate plays a crucial role in implementing monetary policy. Changes in the Bank Rate often signal changes in the central bank’s stance on inflation, economic growth, and financial stability. Inflation can be controlled by increasing the Bank Rate. By curbing excess lending and spending when the central bank increases the Bank Rate.
Money supply control:
Changing the Bank Rate can affect the money supply. A higher Bank Rate may reduce the availability of money in the economy as banks may borrow less due to higher costs. On the other hand, a low Bank Rate may stimulate borrowing and spending, resulting in an increase in economic activity.
Why the other options are not correct
b. Discount window
The “discount window” is not the correct term for the rate of interest charged by the RBI for lending money to commercial banks through the rediscounting of bills. If commercial banks need short-term liquidity, they can borrow funds directly from the central bank through the discount window. Getting money through the discount window does not necessarily mean getting the same interest rate as the bank rate.
c. Monetary policy
Even though the Bank Rate is an essential part of monetary policy, the term “Monetary Policy” is not used specifically to refer to the rate of interest charged by the RBI for lending money to commercial banks through rediscounting bills. Central banks use a variety of tools and strategies to control the money supply, interest rates, and overall economic conditions through monetary policy.
d. Overnight rate
In relation to the interest rate charged by the RBI for lending money to commercial banks through rediscounting bills, the “overnight rate” is incorrect. Typically, banks lend to each other for very short periods of time (often overnight) to meet their reserve requirements at the overnight rate. In short, it influences bank lending and borrowing in a market-driven manner.
Conclusion
As a result, the Bank Rate is the interest rate that the Reserve Bank of India charges commercial banks for lending money by rediscounting bills. The rate affects borrowing costs, the transmission of monetary policy, and the control of the money supply in a number of ways. The other options provide a different perspective on central banking and monetary policy, but they do not accurately depict the Bank Rate.
Policymakers, economists, and financial professionals must understand the intricacies of interest rate dynamics and their broad economic impact in order to make informed decisions.
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I am Bibisha Shiwakoti a final year BBS student from Janapremi College. I have completed my higher secondary education at Kalinchowk Secondary School.
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