Overview
- The RBI's Central Board, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, approved the record dividend payout at its 616th meeting on May 23, 2025.
- The Rs 2.69 lakh crore transfer is a 27% increase from last year's Rs 2.1 lakh crore payout and exceeds the government's budgeted expectation of Rs 2.56 lakh crore.
- The surplus reflects gains from foreign exchange operations, valuation of reserves, and investment income, alongside prudent financial management.
- The Contingent Risk Buffer was raised to 7.5% of the RBI's balance sheet, reinforcing financial stability and risk provisioning.
- The transfer provides the government with additional fiscal space, aiding efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.4% while supporting planned expenditures.