According to a report of MoneyControl, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred its officers attending meetings, official or unofficial, from interacting with the press as part of efforts to deter leaks, and directed them to ‘confine’ to the official position on the issues they publicly speak on.
An internal circular issued asking officers not to talk to the press or media after reports of RBI planning another demonetisation came out. However, RBI had denied these reports.
This is perhaps the first time that the central bank has issued a formal circular warning its officers against interacting with the press, said a person familiar with the development. The idea could be to avoid confusing reports in the public, the person said, asking not to be named.
The trigger for the circular happens to be a news report concerning an RBI plan to withdraw old currency notes. The RBI refuted the report that said it was planning to withdraw old notes of Rs 100, Rs 10 and Rs 5 denominations.
Referring to that report, the circular said: “With regard to the reports in certain sections of media on withdrawal of old series of Rs 100, Rs 10 and Rs 5 banknotes from circulation in near future, it is clarified that such reports are incorrect,” the RBI tweeted on January 25.
With regard to reports in certain sections of media on withdrawal of old series of ₹100, ₹10 & ₹5 banknotes from circulation in near future, it is clarified that such reports are incorrect.
— ReserveBankOfIndia (@RBI) January 25, 2021
