Question

Difficulty: HardCentral Bank: Functions and Monetary Policy Instruments

Pair each central bank function or monetary policy instrument in List I with its primary operational mechanism or objective in List II.

  • Special DepositsCompelling commercial banks to freeze an extra percentage of their deposit liabilities with the apex bank to contract credit creation capacity.
  • Lender of Last ResortProviding short-term emergency liquidity support to solvent commercial banks facing unexpected cash shortages to prevent systemic panic.
  • Bank Rate AdjustmentAltering the official rediscount rate on central bank loans to influence commercial bank lending rates and general market borrowing costs.
  • Moral SuasionEmploying qualitative directives and informal meetings to persuade commercial banks to align credit allocation with national economic objectives.

Answer

Special Deposits matches with compelling commercial banks to freeze an extra percentage of deposits; Lender of Last Resort matches with providing short-term emergency liquidity support; Bank Rate Adjustment matches with altering the official rediscount rate to influence commercial borrowing costs; Moral Suasion matches with employing qualitative directives and informal meetings to persuade commercial banks.
Special Deposits requires commercial banks to lock up specific proportions of cash reserves at the central bank. Lender of Last Resort represents the traditional stabilizing function where the central bank provides emergency funds to solvent banks during liquidity strain. Bank Rate Adjustment works by changing the baseline cost of central bank credit to commercial institutions. Moral Suasion utilizes qualitative appeals and managerial directives rather than compulsory legal instruments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Special Deposits mechanism
Special Deposits force commercial banks to sterilize liquid funds with the central bank beyond regular reserve requirements.
It acts directly as a quantitative instrument to curb excess bank reserves and restrict credit expansion.
2
Analyze Lender of Last Resort function
The central bank provides emergency financial accommodation when commercial banks experience temporary run on liquidity.
This maintains public confidence and prevents bank distress from turning into a systemic collapse.
3
Analyze Bank Rate Adjustment mechanism
The central bank modifies the interest rate charged to commercial banks rediscounting bills or borrowing funds.
This signals the monetary stance and drives commercial bank lending rates up or down.
4
Analyze Moral Suasion approach
The central bank uses non-statutory advice, circulars, and consensus-building with banking executives.
It is a selective/qualitative measure relying on voluntary compliance rather than direct legal mandates.

Key Concept

Central Bank Functions and Monetary Policy Instruments
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