What are assets that do not perform (NPAs)? Describe the steps the government has recently made to combat the threat posed by non-performing assets (NPAs) in India. (Answer in 200 words)
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) mandates increased lending by the banks towards specified sectors and activities in the economy, which may not get timely and adequate credit in the absence of the special dispensation. Presently, categories under priority sector include Agriculture; Micro, Small and MeRead more
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) mandates increased lending by the banks towards specified sectors and activities in the economy, which may not get timely and adequate credit in the absence of the special dispensation. Presently, categories under priority sector include Agriculture; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Export Credit; Education; Housing; Social Infrastructure; Renewable Energy; and Others. The rate of interest on PSL loans is charged as per the directives of the RBI.
Challenges with Priority Sector Lending in India:
- Sectoral issues: Doubling credit to PSL in the agricultural sector leads to an increase of just 11% of total credit in the agricultural sector as compared to 76% in the export sector and 41% in manufacturing sector. Also, agricultural sector’s susceptibility to vagaries of monsoon increases the credit risks of banks under PSL.
- Lethargy in lending: Most public sector banks have been continuously underperforming on the total priority sector target. This may be due to difficulty in finding viable options to lend to the rural areas or the MSME sector.
- Rising NPA: The Second Narasimham Committee (1998) observed that directed credit led to an increase in non-performing loans and adversely affected the efficiency and profitability of banks. It stated that 47% of all non-performing assets have come from the priority sector.
- Costs of PSL in India: It hinders the banks from expanding their scale of lending, consequently, affecting the banking industry and the flow of credit in the economy as a whole. It also impacts the general lending power of banks and deposit rate, which ultimately impact the general public.
Notwithstanding the challenges, PSL has proved useful for the following reasons:
- Promotes equity: It promotes social equity and facilitates increase in employment and investment in less developed regions and gives an impetus to the vulnerable sections of the society.
- Balanced development: Direct lending allows the commercial banks to generate high social returns along with profits and it also contributes to economic development by increasing investment in strategic sectors like exports.
- Credit formalisation: It increases institutional credit (including commercial banks, cooperative banks and societies) to the agriculture sector compared to non-institutional credit (such as money lenders).
Despite the challenges, the policy of priority sector lending (PSL) target has benefitted the vulnerable sections of society, which though creditworthy, are unable to access the formal banking system for adequate and timely credit. In this context, to make the PSL policy more effective, various steps such as Priority Sector Lending Certificates, timely revised guidelines by the RBI, continued increase of the target under PSL year-on-year, etc. have been taken, which are steps in the right direction.
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NPA stands for Non-performing assets (NPAs). As per the Reserve Bank of India NPAs are loans or advances, due for more than 90 days. In other words, an asset becomes non-performing when it stops generating income for the bank. In case of agricultural advances cropping seasons are taken into cRead more
NPA stands for Non-performing assets (NPAs). As per the Reserve Bank of India NPAs are loans or advances, due for more than 90 days. In other words, an asset becomes non-performing when it stops generating income for the bank. In case of agricultural advances cropping seasons are taken into consideration instead of 90 days. Increasing NPAs is not a good sign for the banking sector and economy as it shows the inability of people to repay the loan.
Types of NPAs
Non-performing assets are categorized into various types based on specific criteria.
1. Substandard Assets: The assets have remained NPA for a period less than or equal to 12 months.
2. Doubtful Assets: Assets that have remained in the substandard category for 12 months.
3. Loss Assets: Assets where loss has been identified by the bank or external auditors or the RBI, but the amount has not been written off.
Measures Taken to Control NPAs by the Government
1. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016:
It aims to improve the ease of doing business and a single-step solution to resolve insolvency issues.
To oversee the implementation of the law and insolvency professionals.
The incorporation of the IBC has significantly improved the recovery rates of bad loans by providing quicker resolution and restructuring of assets.
2. Asset Quality Review (AQR):
The RBI introduces an AQR to identify stressed assets in the banking system. This exercise focused on bringing transparency and improving the recognition of NPAs on the bank’s books.
3. Strategic Debt Restructuring (SDR), 2015:
If corporations are unable to repay their bank loans, the banks have the option to convert part or all of the loans into equity shares.
4. Mission Indradhanush:
This initiative was launched to revise the functioning of PSBs and identify issues like accountability, governance, and the overall condition of the banking sector.
It includes appointing professionals to major positions, empowering risk control measures, and improving the efficiency of bank operations.
5. Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), 2013:
It is governed by the Recovery of Debt Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, of 1993.
The aim was to shorten the time needed for case settlements.
6. Joint Lenders Forum (2014):
This measure is implemented to prevent the situation where a loan is taken from one bank to repay loans from other banks.
7. 5:25 Rule (2014):
It is also known as the Flexible Restructuring of Long Term Project Loans to Infrastructure and Core Industries and involves the refinancing of long-term projects.
8. Corporate Debt Restructuring (2005):
It minimizes the company’s debt burden by extending the repayment period and lowering the interest rates.
9. Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC)
This measure helps in recovering value from distressed loans without going through the time-consuming process of court.
10. The SARFAESI Act (Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act), 2002:
This act allows banks and financial institutions to auction residential or commercial properties to recover loans of defaulters.
The amendment in 2016 aimed to encourage banks to take possession of collateral security and sell them without the interference of courts.
11. Bad Bank – National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL):
The government suggested setting up a ‘bad bank’ to manage and dispose of stressed assets of banks.
It will facilitate the aggregation and resolution of large-value NPAs along with the India Debt Resolution Company Limited (IDRCL).
12. Empowering Governance in Banks:
It includes the establishment of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) to recommend appointments of directors and ensure the professionalization in bank management.
Improved investigation and accountability norms to avoid the reoccurrence of large frauds.
13. One-Time Settlement Schemes:
Banks have been encouraged to offer one-time settlement schemes to borrowers, especially in the MSME sector, to expedite the recovery process.
14. MSME Debt Restructuring:
The government and RBI have provided relief to the MSME sector by allowing the restructuring of their stressed assets without devaluing them.
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