RBI To Pay Record ₹2.1 Lakh Crore Dividend To Govt, Surpassing Budget Estimates

New Delhi: In a significant boost to government revenues, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a record dividend payout of Rs 2.1 lakh crore for the fiscal year ending March 31. This amount is more than double the budgeted expectation of Rs 1.02 lakh crore, providing a substantial financial uplift ahead of the new government’s tenure.

The decision, made during the 608th meeting of the RBI’s Central Board of Directors chaired by Governor Shaktikanta Das, reflects a notable increase from the Rs 87,416 crore dividend distributed in the fiscal year 2022-23. The previous highest dividend was Rs 1.76 lakh crore in 2018-19.

In a statement, the RBI confirmed the surplus transfer of Rs 2,10,874 crore for the accounting year 2023-24. This move aligns with the central government’s objective to contain the fiscal deficit to Rs 17.34 lakh crore, or 5.1% of GDP, in the current financial year.

During the meeting, the board also reviewed the global and domestic economic scenarios, assessing risks to the growth outlook. The RBI’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the last fiscal were also approved.

This substantial dividend payout from the RBI is expected to play a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal health and supporting economic stability.