The Shyamala Gopinath Committee is primarily associated with Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in the context of recent examination trends.
While Shyamala Gopinath (former Deputy Governor of the RBI) has chaired several committees, the one most frequently cited in recent years relates to the licensing and evaluation of new banks.
1. Primary Association: Small Finance Banks
In 2021, the RBI set up a Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) under the chairmanship of Shyamala Gopinath.
Purpose: To evaluate applications for Universal Banks and Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
Mechanism: It acts as a screening body that reviews applications to ensure the applicants are "fit and proper" before the RBI grants a license "on-tap" (available year-round).
2. Other Notable Associations
If you are looking at older or broader economic questions, her name is also linked to:
Small Savings Schemes (2011): This committee recommended that interest rates on small savings (like PPF, NSC, and Post Office deposits) should be market-linked (aligned with Government Securities/G-Sec yields) rather than being fixed by the government arbitrarily.
Financial Holding Companies (2011): Recommended a roadmap for a "holding company" structure for Indian banks to better manage financial conglomerates.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.