Step 1: Identify the institution and law → The question refers to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the RBI Act, which governs its functioning and relationship with the central government.
Step 2: Clarify the context → In 2018, there was a high-profile tussle between the Central Government and the RBI regarding autonomy, regulatory powers, and financial sector decisions. During this debate, a specific section of the RBI Act came into focus.
Step 3: Pinpoint the provision → The section that empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI in matters of public interest is **Section 7** of the RBI Act, 1934.
Step 4: Importance of the provision → This section is rarely invoked, as it allows the central government to consult with and, if necessary, direct the RBI on issues where there is a difference of opinion, potentially undermining RBI’s autonomy.
Step 5: Historical context → The discussion around Section 7 came into the spotlight during debates on liquidity for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), regulation of weak banks, and transfer of RBI’s surplus reserves to the government.
Step 6: Apply the formatting rule → The answer must be concise and without spaces as per instructions.
FinalAnswer:Section7