‘RBI working on cutting transactions costs on digital payments’
New Delhi: RBI Governor Urjit Patel, who appeared before the Public Accounts Committee looking into demonetisation and its impact on monetary policy, told the panel that the country’s infrastructure is not ready for a cashless economy.
He assured the panel that the RBI is working out ways to reduce transaction costs involved in digital payments.
As was the case when he appeared before the Finance Standing Committee on Wednesday, Patel, did not face any tough questions at the meeting held here on Friday. He was given 15 days to reply to the questions posed by the members.
“We will take a look at his replies and if necessary will call him again,” a member said.
Patel said the cash flow will be normalised very soon and reiterated that the decision will have a short-term impact on GDP growth.
The BJP members in the panel protested over questions being posed to the Governor on demonetisation stating that the agenda of the meeting was the review of monetary policy. However, majority of the questions were on the withdrawal of notes.
“He said infrastructure, including the spectrum, is not ready for digital payments at the moment. He, however, said that the RBI will promote a cashless economy,” another member said. The panel will meet the Finance Ministry officials soon after the first lap of Budget session.
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