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Delhi Strikes RBI MoU to Create Independent Banking and Borrowing, Effective Jan. 9

The new arrangement routes surplus cash into RBI investments, opens low-cost liquidity and market debt, and channels borrowings solely to capital works.

Overview

  • A Government of India notification dated January 2 separates Delhi’s public accounts from the Centre starting January 9, giving the Capital an operationally independent framework.
  • The MoU designates the Reserve Bank of India as Delhi’s banker, debt manager and financial agent for cash and debt operations.
  • Surplus government balances will be automatically invested daily through RBI mechanisms to earn interest and avoid idle cash losses.
  • Delhi will have access to Ways and Means Advances and Special Drawing Facilities from the RBI to manage temporary cash flow mismatches at low cost.
  • For the first time, the city can issue State Development Loans at around 7% instead of 12–13%, with proceeds restricted to capital expenditure such as Yamuna rejuvenation, water supply, health infrastructure, public transport, and roads, and the 2025–26 budget targets roughly a 135% increase in capital outlay.