The Centre today categorically said that it fully respects the independence and autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India. The Finance Ministry's statement came following media reports that some unions have alleged infringement of the autonomy of the RBI. The Ministry further clarified that consultations between the Government and the RBI are undertaken on various matters of public importance wherever such consultation is mandated by law or has evolved as a practice. It said, consultations mandated by law or as evolved by practice should not be taken as infringement of autonomy of RBI.