Replying to a question about digital lending through Apps and private digital currency, Governor, Shaktikanta Das commented, regarding digital lending through Apps, the report of the Committee is in its final stage of completion. It should be released sometime this month. It took little time as they have to consult all stakeholders and then release the report. We will then study and examine the report and its recommendations and accordingly take necessary action in this regard.

Regarding your question on private virtual currency, which is different from central bank digital currency, we have some concerns regarding the private virtual currencies. I have already spoken about this in monetary policy conference and on one/two occasions. We have conveyed our concerns on private virtual currency to the Government, which is under their jurisdiction.

He also commented about new bank licences, we have formed an external advisory committee and the committee is now going through all the applications that have been received and for transparency, we have also given out a press release giving the list of the applicants. So, it is with the external advisory committee.