Mission UPSC
HomeCurrent AffairsPYQ HubSyllabusMock Tests
Log in
Mission UPSC

Your complete UPSC preparation companion. Practice PYQs, take mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs.

Study Resources

  • Previous Year Questions
  • UPSC Syllabus
  • Mock Tests

Current Affairs

  • Daily Updates
  • Weekly Compilations
  • Monthly Compilations

Company

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us
© 2026 Mission UPSC. All rights reserved.
Back to Syllabus

10 min read

Notes

Money & Banking

Historical Background

The **money** and **banking** system in India has evolved significantly since independence. The establishment of the **Reserve Bank of India** (RBI) in 1935 marked a pivotal moment in the regulation of the Indian banking system. Over the decades, various reforms were introduced to enhance the stability and efficiency of the financial sector.

---

Constitutional Provisions

The Constitution of India provides the framework for the regulation of banking and finance under:

  • **Article 19(1)(g)**: Right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
  • **Article 47**: Duty of the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections.
  • ### Amendments

  • **73rd Amendment**: Empowered local bodies to establish cooperative banks.
  • ---

    Functions of Money

    Money serves three primary functions:

    1. **Medium of Exchange**: Facilitates transactions.

    2. **Unit of Account**: Measures value.

    3. **Store of Value**: Retains purchasing power over time.

    | Function | Description |

    |-----------------|----------------------------------------------|

    | Medium of Exchange | Used in trade and commerce |

    | Unit of Account | Standard measure for pricing goods/services |

    | Store of Value | Retains value over time for future use |

    ---

    Types of Banks

    ### 1. Commercial Banks

  • Accept deposits and provide loans.
  • Regulated by RBI.
  • ### 2. Cooperative Banks

  • Focus on serving specific communities.
  • Governed by the Cooperative Societies Act.
  • ### 3. Development Banks

  • Provide long-term credit for development projects.
  • Examples include NABARD and SIDBI.
  • ---

    Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

    ### Functions

  • **Monetary Authority**: Formulates and implements monetary policy.
  • **Regulator of the Financial System**: Ensures financial stability.
  • **Issuer of Currency**: Controls the issuance of banknotes.
  • **Manager of Foreign Exchange**: Manages foreign exchange reserves.
  • ### Structure

  • Governed by a central board of directors.
  • Governor and four deputy governors.
  • ---

    Financial Inclusion

    ### Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

  • Launched in 2014 to ensure access to financial services.
  • Aims to provide bank accounts, credit, insurance, and pension.
  • ### Importance

  • Enhances economic participation of marginalized sections.
  • Promotes savings and encourages entrepreneurship.
  • ---

    Banking Regulation Act, 1949

    ### Key Provisions

  • Regulates commercial banks and their functioning.
  • Provisions for licensing, capital requirements, and management.
  • **Section 36**: Provisions for maintenance of cash reserves.
  • ---

    Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)

    ### Regulation and Impact

  • Provide financial services without a banking license.
  • Regulated by RBI under the RBI Act, 1934.
  • Play a crucial role in financial inclusion but have faced scrutiny for liquidity issues.
  • ---

    Recent Banking Reforms

    ### NPA Management

  • Introduction of the **Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)** in 2016 to address Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
  • Enhanced recovery processes for lenders.
  • ### Significance

  • Strengthens the banking sector's health.
  • Aims at improving credit discipline.
  • ---

    Key Supreme Court Judgments

  • **Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)**: Established guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace.
  • **Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)**: Reinforced the importance of the basic structure doctrine.
  • ---

    UPSC Exam Tips

  • Focus on the evolution of banking laws and their socio-economic impact.
  • Understand the roles of different financial institutions and their regulatory frameworks.
  • Keep abreast of current events related to banking reforms and economic policies.
  • ---

    Key Concepts

    Monetary Policy Framework (Article 47, RBI Act 1934)

    Functions of Money (Medium of Exchange, Unit of Account, Store of Value)

    Types of Banks (Commercial Banks, Co-operative Banks, Development Banks)

    Reserve Bank of India (RBI) - Functions and Structure

    Financial Inclusion (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana)

    Banking Regulation Act, 1949 - Key Provisions

    Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) - Regulation and Impact

    Recent Banking Reforms (NPA Management, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code)

    Important Facts

    • •[1935] Establishment of the Reserve Bank of IndiaThe RBI was established to regulate the issue of banknotes and maintain monetary stability in India.
    • •[1949] Introduction of the Banking Regulation ActThis act provided the framework for the regulation of commercial banks in India, ensuring financial stability.
    • •[2016] Insolvency and Bankruptcy CodeThis code was enacted to streamline the insolvency process and improve recovery rates for banks.
    • •[2014] Launch of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan YojanaThis initiative aimed at increasing financial inclusion and ensuring access to banking facilities.
    • •[1978] Supreme Court Judgment in Maneka Gandhi CaseThis landmark ruling expanded the interpretation of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

    Mnemonics & Memory Tricks

    MONEY

    M - Medium of Exchange, O - Object of Value, N - Number of Units, E - Economic Unit, Y - Yielding Returns

    BANK

    B - Borrowing, A - Assets, N - Net worth, K - Keeping funds safe

    RBI

    R - Regulator, B - Banker's Bank, I - Issuer of Currency