Question

Describe any two methods by which Reserve Bank of India can regulate money supply.

Answer 1

1. Margin requirement refers to the difference between the current value of the security offered for loan (called collateral) and the value of loan granted. It is a qualitative method of credit control adopted by the central bank in order to stabilize the economy from inflation or deflation. In case of inflation, the margin requirement is increased so that demand for loans are decreased and in case of deflation, margin requirements are decreased so that demand for loans are increased.

2. Open market operation (OMO) is a monetary policy by the central bank in which the bank deals in the sale and purchase of securities in the open market to control the supply of money in the economy. By selling the securities, the central bank soaks liquidity from the economy as in case of inflation and by buying the securities, the central bank releases liquidity in the economy as in case of deflation.