Under the current monetary policy framework in India, the RBI is mandated to maintain retail inflation (CPI) within a specific tolerance band. What are the target rate and the upper/lower tolerance limits?
- Target 2%, Limits 0% to 4%
- Target 4%, Limits 2% to 6%
- Target 5%, Limits 3% to 7%
- Target 6%, Limits 4% to 8%
Answer: Target 4%, Limits 2% to 6%
Following the recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee, the Government of India and the RBI formalized a flexible inflation-targeting framework in 2016. The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is legally bound to use its interest rate tools to keep CPI inflation anchored at 4%, with a permissible deviation band of +/- 2%. If inflation breaches the 2% or 6% limits for three consecutive quarters, the RBI must submit a remedial report to the government.