Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Role, Functions & Importance

📌 Introduction

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India, and plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economy and monetary policy. For aspirants of UPSC, IBPS, SSC, and other government exams, understanding the RBI’s static structure and functions is crucial.

This blog breaks down the RBI’s origin, organizational setup, key functions, and current updates – all in a simple, exam-focused format.

🕰️ History & Establishment of RBI

Event	Details
Established	1st April 1935
Under	Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
Nationalised	1st January 1949
Initial HQ	Kolkata
Current HQ	Mumbai, Maharashtra
First Governor	Sir Osborne Smith
First Indian Governor	C.D. Deshmukh
Current Governor (as of 2025)	Shaktikanta Das (since Dec 2018)

✅ Did You Know? Before independence, RBI used to issue currency not just for India but also for Burma and Pakistan for a limited period.

🏛️ Organizational Structure

The RBI is managed by a Central Board of Directors, appointed by the Government of India:

• Governor – Chief executive Authority.
• 4 Deputy Governors
• 14 Directors (nominated by the Central Government)
• 2 Government Officials

🧩 Key Functions of RBI

1. Monetary Authority

• Controls inflation and liquidity.
• Formulates and implements Monetary Policy.
• Uses tools like Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, CRR, and SLR.

2. Issuer of Currency

• Sole authority to issue currency notes (except ₹1 note, issued by Govt of India).
• Ensures adequate currency circulation and anti-counterfeit measures.

3. Custodian of Foreign Exchange

• Manages Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• Maintains India’s foreign exchange reserves.
• Regulates forex markets.

4. Banker to the Government

• Manages receipts and payments of the central and state governments.
• Issues government bonds and treasury bills.

5. Bankers’ Bank

• Lender of last resort for banks.
• Maintains Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).
• Regulates inter-bank transactions and settlements.

6. Regulator of Banking System

• Issues banking licenses.
• Sets norms for capital adequacy, NPA recognition.
• Conducts inspections and audits.

📊 Recent Developments (2024–25 Highlights)

• Digital Rupee Pilot Expansion: RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project expanded to more cities.
• Repo Rate Unchanged: As of July 2025, repo rate stands at 6.50%, aiming to balance growth and inflation.
• RBI’s Push for Green Financing: Launch of new frameworks for sustainable investment.
• New UPI Interoperability Rules: Strengthened India’s digital payments ecosystem.

 🔚 Conclusion

Understanding the Reserve Bank of India is essential not only for exams but also for being an informed citizen. From monetary policy to digital banking, the RBI’s decisions affect your loans, savings, investments, and the overall economy.