WHAT IS THE DIGITAL RUPEE, WHEN WILL IT BE AVAILABLE, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM PRIVATE CRYPTOCURRENCIES? 10 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ARE ADDRESSED.
The
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC)
in 2022-23, according to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This is the
first formal declaration from the Union government on the much-anticipated
digital currency.
The
establishment of CBDC, according to the FM, will strengthen the digital economy
and will be based on blockchain technology. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
previously stated that CBDC is on the cards, despite the fact that the central
bank is opposed to allowing private virtual currencies.
Given
India's world-class digital payments system, the launch of CBDC, according to
the FM, will further boost India's status as a digital economy.
1.What
exactly is a CBDC?
The
legal cash issued in digital form by a central bank is known as digital
currency. It's the same as fiat cash, but in a different form, and it may be
exchanged for government-issued money one for one. To put it another way, CBDC
is the same as the legal tender we use. It's only that it's available in
digital format.
2.
What is the Digital Rupee and how does it work?
A
CBDC is a digital version of fiat currency that will make transactions more
convenient. CBDC was previously described in a paper by the RBI as a
"secure, resilient, and convenient alternative to physical cash." It
can also take on the complicated shape of a financial instrument, according to
the RBI report, depending on numerous design decisions.
3.
Is CBDC a cryptocurrency in the same vein as Bitcoin?
No.
CBDC is a public cryptocurrency, not a private cryptocurrency. It is a digital
type of legal tender, as opposed to private virtual currencies. Private virtual
currencies are diametrically opposed to the traditional understanding of money.
Because they have no intrinsic worth, they are not commodities or claims on
commodities.
4.
What is the RBI's response to assertions that private cryptos are gold-like
assets?
Private
virtual currencies, according to the RBI, do not represent any person's debt or
liabilities. "There is no one who is the issuer. They are not money
(definitely not currency) in the traditional sense of the phrase "On July
22, RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar stated. This effectively means that no
banking body can treat private virtual currencies as assets or liabilities for
transactions, according to the RBI.
5.
What is the RBI's position on CBDC?
According
to Sankar, the implementation of CBDC has the potential to deliver major
benefits, including reduced reliance on cash, increased seigniorage due to
lower transaction costs, and lower settlement risk. According to Sankar, it
might also lead to a more strong, efficient, reliable, regulated, and legal
tender-based payment solution.
6.
What is the RBI's position on CBDC in relation to private cryptocurrencies?
The
emergence of private virtual currencies, according to Sankar, could be another
reason why CBDCs are required. "It's unclear what precise need these
private virtual currencies fill that official money can't, but that may not be
a deterrent to their acceptance." National currencies with limited
convertibility are likely to be threatened if these virtual currencies gain
traction, according to Sankar.
7.
What are the hazards of CBDCs, according to the RBI?
Sankar
addressed some of the concerns involved with CBDCs, claiming that the
availability of these currencies will make it easy for depositors to remove
their funds if a bank is stressed. "When compared to cash withdrawal,
deposit flight can be more faster," Sankar remarked.
On
the other hand, simply having CBDCs available may prevent panic
"runs" because depositors know they may withdraw fast. According to
the deputy governor, one consequence could be that banks are compelled to keep
a higher level of liquidity, which could result in poorer profits for commercial
banks.
8.
When will the RBI implement CBDC?
In
his Budget speech, the Finance Minister announced the launch of the Digital
Rupee. Following Cabinet agreement, the government will request that the
central bank begin preparations for the launch. The RBI has already started
laying the groundwork. According to the government's and RBI's statements, the
Digital Rupee is likely to be launched this year.
9.
What does the future hold for India's private virtual currencies?
There
is currently no clarity about this. The government is working on legislation to
regulate cryptocurrencies, but it is not scheduled for consideration during the
current Budget session. In terms of private virtual currencies, the central
bank is likely to continue in a wait-and-see position until the government
clarifies regulation.
10.
The administration announced a crypto tax of 30%. What does this imply?
The
government declared a 30% tax on private digital assets, which is commonly
regarded as an indirect acknowledgement of the existence of these tools.
However, this does not imply that these assets are recognised legally in the
proper sense. This is a contentious issue. CBDC, on the other hand, could
happen sooner, based on current evidence.
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