Over the last two months, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has undertaken several measures to contain the volatility in the foreign exchange market. Among them, some measures intended to check excessive speculation adding to undue volatility in market conditions were instituted vide the RBI's Press Release No.2013-2014/100 dated July 15, 2013. These measures have had a restraining effect on volatility with a concomitant stabilising effect on the exchange rate. Based on a review of the measures, and an assessment of the liquidity and overall market conditions going forward, it has been decided to modify the liquidity tightening measures as follows:

• The overall limit for access to LAF by each individual bank is set at 0.5 per cent of its own NDTL outstanding as on the last Friday of the second preceding fortnight. This measure will come into effect immediately, i.e., from July 24, 2013 and will remain in force until further notice.
• Currently, banks are allowed to maintain their Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) prescribed by the RBI on an average daily basis during a reporting fortnight, with a minimum of 70 per cent of the required CRR on a daily basis. Effective from the first day of the next reporting fortnight i.e., from July 27, 2013, banks will be required to maintain a minimum daily CRR balance of 99 per cent of the requirement.

Detailed guidelines regarding these measures are being issued separately.

Alpana Killawala

Chief General Manager

Press Release : 2013-2014/154

Liquidity access limit tightened and daily reserve maintenance increased to reinforce exchange market stability immediately. The Reserve Bank of India capped each bank's access to the Liquidity Adjustment Facility at 0.5 per cent of its own NDTL as on the last Friday of the second preceding fortnight, effective immediately and until further notice, with detailed guidelines to follow. In addition, banks must now maintain a minimum daily Cash Reserve Ratio balance of 99 per cent of the requirement, replacing the prior provision allowing average fortnightly maintenance with a 70 per cent daily floor, effective from the first day of the next reporting fortnight.