Shaktikanta Das, who retired as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday, said restoring the balance between inflation and growth was the most important task ahead of the central bank.

Das told reporters that co-ordination with the North Block was “excellent’’ under his tenure.

He said the perspectives of the finance ministry and the central bank can differ at times and this happens all over the world.

“In my term we have resolved all issues through internal discussions. The relationship between the government, and the finance ministry in particular, and the Reserve Bank of India... I think they have been at their best. We had excellent co-operation, excellent co-ordination.’’

A new governor considers his mandate when he takes up office and at the same time he needs to look at the wider economy.

``It is your responsibility, it is your mandate ...because you are occupying a particular position. Plus, (there are) the requirements of the wider economy. I think it’s a synthesis of both and eventually it’s a judgment call of which every governor takes,” he said.

Das recalled the statement he made in December 2018 when he took charge as governor, saying he worked along the areas of focus he had outlined then.

“I had said the Reserve Bank is a great institution with a rich legacy. I had also said that I will do everything to uphold the professionalism, core values, credibility and autonomy of the Reserve Bank.” he observed.

Ready to go

Revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra on Tuesday said he will work to understand all perspectives and do what is best for the economy after he takes charge as the RBI governor on December 11.

Responding to reporters’ queries outside the finance ministry, Malhotra said, “One has to understand the turf, all perspectives and do what’s best for the economy.”