


Understanding Cheques and Their Clearing Process
A cheque is a written order from one individual or business to another for the payment of a specific amount of money. It is a type of bill of exchange that allows the payee to receive payment from the drawer (the person or business writing the cheque). Cheques are commonly used for making payments such as rent, bills, and purchases.
12. What is the difference between a cheque and a draft ?
Ans. A cheque and a draft are both written orders for payment, but there are some key differences between them:
* A cheque is a specific type of bill of exchange that is drawn on a bank and payable on demand.
* A draft, on the other hand, is an order for payment that is not necessarily payable on demand and may be drawn on any financial institution.
* Cheques are typically used for making payments to individuals or businesses, while drafts are often used for larger transactions such as buying property or investing in securities.
* Cheques are usually more widely accepted than drafts, but drafts may be more secure because they are less likely to be fraudulent.
13. What is the process of clearing a cheque ?
Ans. The process of clearing a cheque involves several steps:
1. Presentation: The payee presents the cheque to the drawee (the bank where the cheque was drawn) for payment.
2. Collection: The drawee collects the cheque from the payee and verifies its authenticity.
3. Clearing: The drawee sends the cheque to a clearing house, which is a central location where cheques are sorted and settled.
4. Settlement: The clearing house settles the cheque by debiting the drawer's account and crediting the payee's account.
5. Return: If there are any issues with the cheque, such as insufficient funds or a forged signature, it will be returned to the payee.
14. What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India in the clearing process ?
Ans. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a crucial role in the clearing process by acting as the central bank and regulating the financial system. Some of the key roles of the RBI in the clearing process include:
* Setting rules and regulations for cheque clearing and settlement.
* Providing guidelines for banks to follow when handling cheques.
* Monitoring the clearing process to ensure that it is efficient and secure.
* Acting as a lender of last resort to provide liquidity to the financial system.
15. What are the benefits of using cheques ?
Ans. There are several benefits of using cheques, including:
* Convenience: Cheques are widely accepted and can be used to make payments to anyone with a bank account.
* Security: Cheques are less likely to be fraudulent than other forms of payment, such as cash or electronic transfers.
* Flexibility: Cheques can be used for both small and large transactions, and they can be written for any amount.
* Record-keeping: Cheques provide a paper trail that can be useful for record-keeping and auditing purposes.
16. What are the risks associated with using cheques ?
Ans. There are several risks associated with using cheques, including:
* Fraud: Cheques can be forged or stolen, which can result in financial loss for the payee.
* Insufficient funds: If the drawer does not have enough money in their account to cover the cheque, it may bounce, which can result in additional fees and penalties.
* Delayed clearing: Cheques may take several days to clear, which can cause delays in payment.
* Loss or theft: Cheques can be lost or stolen, which can result in financial loss for both the payee and the drawer.



