New RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das makes priorities clear, says focus is on inflation, banking sector

New Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das today made his priorities and focus areas clear in public. In his first press conference after being named RBI Governor by PM Modi led dispensation, Das said that consultation with the stakeholders is important. He also revealed that as a first step, he has convened a meeting of CEOs and MDs of the public sector banks.

"I have convened a meeting with CEOs and MDs of public sector banks tomorrow in the morning. Banking is an important segment in our economy and is currently facing several challenges that need to be dealt with. It's the banking sector on which I would like to focus immediately," said Das.

Das added that he will subsequently interact with private sector banks as well to understand their perspective about the economy.

Das said that he will try to uphold the autonomy of the institution.

"I will try and uphold professionalism, core values, credibility and autonomy of this institution. It’s an honor and great opportunity to serve RBI. I will try my best to work with everyone and work in the interest of the Indian economy," said Das.

#RBIGovernorPC | सरकार और RBI की भागेदारी पर बोले RBI गवर्नर #ShaktikantaDas, सरकार सिर्फ हिस्सेदार नहीं पॉलिसी मेकर भी है#NewRBIGovernor. pic.twitter.com/9goUVrNOr1

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Das added that working for the interest of the economy is his priority.

"I will work with the other officials in the best interest of the economy and try and take measures in a timely manner on issues and aspects which are in the best interest of the Indian economy," he said.

Emphasising on the consultation of the stakeholders, Das said it will help in understanding the issues in depth.

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#RBIGovernorPC | #RBI की पहली प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में क्या कहा #ShaktikantaDas ने? जानिए नए RBI गवर्नर शक्तिकांत दास की प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस की बड़ी बातें स्वाति खंडलेवाल से।#NewRBIGovernor @SwatiKJain @AnilSinghviZEE pic.twitter.com/MaaLPvfhff

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"Decision making in the modern time has become more complex. Today we are leaving in a very dynamic world. Consultation with the stakeholders is very important. It adds values to our understanding of issues and adds depth to the understanding of the issues," said Das.

Das also said that inflation targetting continues to be very important issues and the RBI will keep its focus on it.

#RBIGovernorPC | लिक्विडिटी दिक्कतों पर RBI गवर्नर #ShaktikantaDas का बयान, लिक्विडिटी दिक्कतों पर सभी पक्षों के साथ होगी बात।#NewRBIGovernor. pic.twitter.com/K9N3aSH3Ai

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When asked about whether he will take the populist measures, Das said that the MPC will decide it.   

"If you read the preamble of the RBI act, which talks about MPC, it also says to keep in mind the requirement of growth," Das explained.