Selective credit controls (also known as quantitative controls or direct controls) are monetary policy tools used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate credit flow to specific sectors or for specific purposes, as opposed to general credit controls (like Bank Rate, CRR, OMO) that affect the overall availability and cost of credit. The main objective of selective credit controls is to prevent excessive credit flow into undesirable channels, such as speculative activities or the hoarding of essential commodities, which can lead to inflation and market distortions. By restricting credit for such purposes, the RBI aims to stabilize prices, particularly of essential goods. The other options (A, B, D) represent areas where credit might be encouraged or managed through general controls, but restricting credit for hoarding and speculation is the classic application of selective credit controls.