- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record dividend payout of ₹2,86,588.46 crore to the Central Government for the financial year 2025-26. This is being hailed as the largest surplus transfer in the history of the RBI.
- This move will boost the government's non-tax revenue and strengthen its budgetary management.
- This decision was taken during the 623rd meeting of the RBI's Central Board of Directors, held in Mumbai and chaired by Sanjay Malhotra.
- The surplus transfer was approved following a review of the annual accounts, income and expenditure, provisions, and risk buffers during the meeting.
- In the previous financial year (2024-25), the RBI had paid a dividend of ₹2.69 lakh crore to the Central Government, whereas the current payout represents an increase of approximately 6.7 percent.
- The RBI recorded a 26.42 percent increase in its gross income, and its net income—prior to risk provisions—rose to ₹3.96 lakh crore.
- Meanwhile, as of March 31, 2026, the Central Bank's balance sheet expanded by 20.61 percent, reaching a total of ₹91.97 lakh crore.
- The RBI maintained its Contingency Risk Buffer at a level equivalent to 6.5 percent of its balance sheet.
- During this period, ₹1,09,379.64 crore was transferred to the risk buffer, with the objective of mitigating potential risks associated with currency fluctuations, interest rates, and financial stability.
Tags:
Economics
