RBI eases NRI remittances norms
MUMBAI: Reserve Bank of India has permitted NRIs to send remittances more frequently, a step to boost foreign currency inflows and check rupee fall. Resident Indians are now allowed to receive as many as 30 remittances from NRI friends and relatives during a year as against 12 earlier. Analysts said the RBI decision would help raise foreign exchange reserves which can strengthen the weak rupee.In the circular addressed to authorised Indian agents under the Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS), RBI directed them to bring this to the notice to sub-agents as well and ensure the adherence to the guidelines. RBI had taken several initiatives in the last few weeks to arrest the fall of the rupee against the dollar. The Indian currency has been declining continuously since March and touched a historic low of 56.38 to a dollar last month. MTSS is a quick and easy way of transferring personal remittances from abroad to beneficiaries in India. Only personal remittances such as remittances towards family maintenance and remittances favouring foreign tourists visiting India are permissible.