The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) acts as the central bank and the primary regulator of the Indian banking system. Its supervisory functions ensure financial stability, the safety of depositors' funds, and the alignment of banking activities with national economic goals.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The RBI monitors commercial banks to ensure they maintain the required cash balance, specifically the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). Banks are legally mandated to keep a specific fraction of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) as cash with the RBI to ensure liquidity and solvency.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The RBI does not restrict banks to lending only to profit-making businesses and traders. On the contrary, the RBI mandates Priority Sector Lending (PSL), requiring banks to lend a specific portion of their credit to sectors such as agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), education, and housing. This ensures credit availability to underserved sectors essential for development, irrespective of pure profit motives.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The RBI requires banks to submit periodic reports and returns regarding their lending activities, deposit mobilization, and financial health. This reporting mechanism allows the RBI to supervise credit flow, monitor compliance with regulations, and assess systemic risk.
Key Takeaway: The RBI regulates banks to ensure they maintain necessary liquidity (CRR/SLR) and directs credit flow to diverse sectors (including non-corporate sectors via PSL), rather than limiting lending solely to profit-oriented enterprises.