RBI

Free markets are not free-for-all markets. And while the contours of corporate governance are not perfect even in the west, there exist in most developed countries well developed legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks for corporates with a critical degree of activism of shareholders and institutional investors. Indian corporates need to regard the issue of governance not as an irritant or impediment but as an essential tool and mechanism for their very survival in the new economic environment.

From Reserve Bank to Finance Ministry and Beyond: Some Reminiscences by M Narasimham; UBSPDA, New Delhi, 2002; pp 189, Rs 395.

This paper argues for a role for newer financial instruments like 'municipal-bonds' for financing urban infrastructure. The paper also argues that for these initiatives to be successful, a thick and efficient secondary market in this segment of the debt market is crucial. It will impart liquidity and create an incentive for individual agents to invest in the muni-bonds.

The RBI's latest monetary policy measures fall neatly into the policy framework pursued for the last five years with the objectives of maintaining a stable financial environment and strengthening the financial system and improving the transmission of monetary policy signals.

The questions addressed in this paper are: What are forex reserves? Why hold forex reserves and how did the policy evolve? What is the appropriate level of reserves? How does the current status appear in terms of indicators of adequacy of reserves? The author also focuses on several aspects of forex management such as the implications for quasi-fiscal deficit and communication policy of the RBI. The issues in regard to policy and management of forex reserves in India are posed in some detail. The concluding part contains some random thoughts from a futuristic perspective.