AN INSIDE STORY OF THE BANKERS' BANK
Outlook Business|July 2024
Reserve Bank of India is not perfect. It has room for improvement. Alpana Killawala, who handled RBI's communication for over 26 years, uncovers insider facts about the central bank and its governors, from S. Venkitaramanan to Raghuram Rajan, drawn from her extensive experience as the communication officer
Alpana Killawal
AN INSIDE STORY OF THE BANKERS' BANK

A FLY ON THE RBI WALL:

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF THE CENTRAL BANK

AUTHOR

ALPANA KILLAWALA

PUBLISHED BY

RUPA PUBLICATIONS

PAGES

248

PRICE

Rs 595

Just by being in the communication department for my entire tenure in the RBI, I was synonymous with communication there. If the external world knew the RBI, it would first be through the governor, and then through me. The media would often say this to make fun of me. I called it an occupational hazard. However, by being in the same function for over 26 years, I was also a kind of memory bank on the communication function. Just as someone else would be in some other department. I see nothing wrong in it. Either you are an expert by education or you learn the job through experience.

Unfortunately, the moment one achieved expertise through experience, one would get transferred to a different department or a regional office. While transfer was an accepted principle, it was often executed with vengeance even at the RBI. There were many cases in which the RBI executed transfers only so that the incumbent did not develop expertise and did not enjoy the benefits deriving out of that, like connections with other central bankers or getting called for giving talks on the subject. 

This became even more pronounced when RBI officers started getting opportunities to go abroad for learning or sharing their knowledge in the central banking community. A typical RBI officer would thus be a jack of all trades but master of none. I once called ourselves ‘mediocre’ in a top-management meeting and there was pin-drop silence for a moment. And then business moved ahead as if nothing had happened.

This story is from the July 2024 edition of Outlook Business.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2024 edition of Outlook Business.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OUTLOOK BUSINESSView All
The New Imperialism
Outlook Business

The New Imperialism

The EU has approved a new environmental regulation that will impact global value chains. Small businesses will have to bear the brunt

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
VISION FOR THE INDIA OF 2047
Outlook Business

VISION FOR THE INDIA OF 2047

In India@100, Krishnamurthy Subramanian argues that India can be a 55trn economy by 2047 if it doubles down on the economic policies implemented in the last decade to grow at 8% annually. Although middle-income trap has plagued many developing countries in the past, he is convinced that India is well-equipped to avoid obstacles in its growth odyssey

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
BUSINESS MINT: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, ONE AWARD AT A TIME
Outlook Business

BUSINESS MINT: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, ONE AWARD AT A TIME

Ensuring that Firms and Entrepreneurs Receive the Recognition they Deserve since 2018

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
DR. PAVANI KADIYALA: DRIVING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN EMERGING INDUSTRIES
Outlook Business

DR. PAVANI KADIYALA: DRIVING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN EMERGING INDUSTRIES

Celebrating Dr. Pavani Kadiyala's Accolades and Contributions to Emerging Technologies

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE: THE JOURNEY OF NALANDA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
Outlook Business

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE: THE JOURNEY OF NALANDA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

Honoring the Vision of Sri Manthena Suryanarayana Raju Through Innovation and Holistic Development

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
THE RISE OF VARUN REALTORS
Outlook Business

THE RISE OF VARUN REALTORS

Leading the Charge: Varun Kaliga Named Emerging Real Estate Influencer of the Year for Innovative Impact

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
R.C. RATUL: BRIDGING THE WORLDS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND REAL ESTATE
Outlook Business

R.C. RATUL: BRIDGING THE WORLDS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND REAL ESTATE

The Visionary Behind the Convergence of Entertainment and Real Estate

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
CYBERABAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: LEADING THE CHARGE IN SHAPING
Outlook Business

CYBERABAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: LEADING THE CHARGE IN SHAPING

Recognized as the Emerging Builders Association of the Year 2024,’ CBA is setting new benchmarks in real estate and construction excellence in the heart of Hyderabad.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
FROM PAPERBOY TO POWERHOUSE: THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF VENU KALYAN
Outlook Business

FROM PAPERBOY TO POWERHOUSE: THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF VENU KALYAN

Celebrated with the Most Admired Real Estate Sales Coach of the Year 2024’ Award for Transformative Impact and Innovative Coaching

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
OUTLINE MEDIA: SHAPING TOMORROW'S BRANDING AND ADVERTISING TODAY
Outlook Business

OUTLINE MEDIA: SHAPING TOMORROW'S BRANDING AND ADVERTISING TODAY

Redefining Branding and Advertising

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024