Chapter 3: Monetary Trends
General Introduction
The monetary growth target for 1996-97 was set at around the same level as in the previous year, given the desire to maintain both real growth and inflation at close to last year's levels. Actual money growth during 1996-97 so far has, however, been considerably higher than that during the corresponding period of last year. This is true of both broad money (M3) and narrow money (M1). However, the growth of M3 has remained close to the 16 per cent projected growth path. The slow-down in industrial growth (as indicated by variations in the IIP) has reduced the demand for credit from the commercial sector .The excess demand pressure on banks has eased, while the flow of savings into bank deposits has increased. This has been followed by an easing of interest rates. Call money rates and auction rates for both 91 days and 364 days treasury bills have fallen.
2.Reserve money has declined in absolute terms during the current financial year so far, primarily due to a sharp fall in refinance availed of by commercial banks. Lower recourse to the RBI by the Central Government has also reduced reserve money growth. However, the money multiplier has gone up because of the reduction in the cash reserve ratio (CRR) from 14 per cent to 10 per cent. A reduction of the CRR also reduces the implicit taxation on banks and increases their potential profitability.
3.The process of financial sector reforms has continued during 1996-97. Interest rates on domestic term deposits of over one year have been decontrolled. The interest rate on term deposits of 30 days to one year has been reduced to 10 per cent. Selective credit controls have been removed from bank advances against most commodities. Many banks have reduced their prime lending rates by one to one and a half per cent points. There has been further liberalisation of rules governing consortium finance in the case of multiple bank lending. State Bank of India with all its subsidiaries and 11 out of 19 nationalised banks have attained eight per cent capital to risk weighted assets ratio. Select banks will be permitted to offer finer cross currency rates. Banks can now extend foreign currency loans on the resource base of Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) Accounts. Disbursement of financial assistance by development finance institutions has maintained almost the same growth rate in 1996-97 as in 1995-96.
Monetary Trends and Developments
Money Growth
4.The spurt in prices during 1994-95 prompted necessary changes in the stance of monetary policy in the first half of 1995-96. This had the desired effect of moderating inflation, which moved down to single digit rate by mid-April 1995 and remained on a downward trend till the end of 1995-96. The year was marked by exchange rate volatility, but such volatility was reduced by the end of the year.
5.Industry grew by 11.6 per cent (as per IIP) during 1995-96. Because of rising industrial growth rates, coupled with a slowdown in availability of funds from such sources as capital markets and GDR issues, demand for bank credit by the corporates from the banking sector expanded rapidly during 1995-96. There was also upward pressure on nominal interest rates which were fairly high over most of 1995-96.
6.Broad money (M3) recorded a significantly lower growth (13.2 per cent) in 1995-96 than the 15.5 per cent growth that had been projected for the year, as well as the 22.3 per cent growth seen in 1994-95. (Table 3.1) The growth rate was also the lowest observed since 1982-83. The growth rate of narrow money (M1) was even lower at 11.5 per cent as against the high of 27.5 per cent registered in 1994-95. The order of expansion of broad money at 13.2 per cent in 1995-96 could be partly attributable to the unusually high base of March 31, 1995 and the growth of reserve money of 14.8 per cent as against 22.1 per cent in 1994-95. In fact, taking March 17, 1995 as the base, the growth of broad money turns out to be close to the long run average.
Reserve Money
7.A major source of reserve money growth in 1995-96 was net RBI credit to the Government, which expanded by 19.6 per cent (Rs.19871 crore) (Table 3.2) as against only 2.2 per cent (Rs. 2178 crore) growth in 1994-95. It accounted for nearly four-fifths of the expansion of reserve money (Rs. 25054 crore). Net foreign exchange assets of RBI, which accounted for over three fourths of the expansion in reserve money in 1994-95, declined by Rs.628 crore. The fall in the rate of growth of deposits from 22.2 per cent in 1994-95 to 12.4 per cent in 1995-96 was larger than the decline in the rate of broad money growth. Currency with public grew by 17.4 per cent compared to the 22.3 per cent growth in 1994-95. Underlying the sharper fall in the growth of M1 relative to that of M3, was a shift in the pattern of deposits away from demand deposits. Demand deposit growth fell dramatically to 5.3 per cent. This was less than half of the 14.2 per cent growth in time deposits. This pattern may partly be a reflection of the upward revision of the ceiling rate of interest on time deposits upto 2 years' maturity and of complete deregulation of interest rates on time deposits of over 2 years.
8.The slow-down in monetary growth witnessed during the first half of 1995-96 got moderated in the second half of 1995-96. This was, at least, partly related to developments in the foreign exchange market. Volatility in exchange rates during October 1995, and during January 1996 to early February 1996, resulted in RBI's intervention in the foreign exchange market. RBI's supply of dollars in the market temporarily sucked out liquidity from the system and generated an upward pressure on the inter bank call money rate. As exchange rate volatility declined, RBI reduced the CRR and conducted reverse repos to bring call money rates back to normal bands.
9.The rate of growth of "other banks'" (commercial and co-operative banks) credit to Government and
the commercial sector decelerated to 12.5 per cent and 16.7 per cent, respectively. Net bank credit to
Government (i.e. including RBI credit) grew at 15.7 per cent, which was slower than the 16.5 per cent growth in total
bank credit to the commercial sector. Because of a much slower growth of food credit, non-food credit
(including credit to industry) grew significantly faster than the total bank credit to the commercial sector.
Scheduled commercial banks' non-food credit grew by 22.5 per cent in 1995-96 compared to 29.8 per cent in 1994-95.
A remarkable deceleration in annual inflation rate followed a moderation in money supply growth in 1995-96.
However, inspite of the reported liquidity crunch, the industrial and the GDP growth rates are estimated to
have been fairly high in 1995-96.
Objective and targets
10.Monetary policy for 1996-97 sought to consolidate the gains on the inflation front. Over the last few years, the importance of price stability has increased the world over, as it is also an important ingredient in the stability of market determined exchange rates. The RBI's monetary and credit policy for 1996-97 was formulated with the twin objectives of price stability and adequate supply of bank credit to the productive sectors of the economy. Broad money (M3) growth for 1996-97 was initially projected at 15.5 per cent to 16 per cent, assuming a 6 per cent growth in real GDP. The credit policy for the second half of 1996-97, formulated after a review of monetary and credit trends in the first half, has reiterated the 15.5 to 16 per cent growth rate projection.
Money Supply
11.Growth of both narrow money and broad money has been faster in 1996-97 than in 1995-96. Up to the fortnight ended January 17, 1997, broad money (M3) grew by 10.6 per cent as against 8.2 per cent in the corresponding period of 1995-96. There has been a step-up in the annual growth of M3 from 13.2 per cent on March 31, 1996 to 15.7 per cent on January 17, 1997. Narrow money (M1) also recorded a higher growth of 5.4 per cent compared to 4.2 per cent growth in 1995-96 till January 19, 1996. The gradual acceleration in money supply growth was not, however, due to any acceleration of reserve money growth. On the contrary, reserve money has declined by 2.9 per cent during this financial year up to January 17, 1997, in contrast to the expansion of 4.0 per cent in corresponding period of the last year. Annual growth has meanwhile decelerated from 14.8 per cent on March 31, 1996 to 7.2 per cent on January 17, 1997. The acceleration in money supply growth is, therefore, primarily the result of policy measures such as substantial reduction in the CRR (for details see section on CRR). As a result, the money multiplier increased from 3.10 on March 31, 1996 to 3.53 on January 17, 1997.
12.Decline in reserve money in absolute terms in 1996-97 so far may primarily be attributed to a large reduction in refinance from the RBI availed of by the commercial banks. This reflects their improved liquidity conditions because of CRR cuts. Net RBI Credit to Government (NRCG), historically an inportant source of reserve money growth, also grew by only Rs. 3986 crore (3.3 per cent), about one-fourth of the Rs. 14961 crore expansion (14.7 per cent) in the corresponding period of 1995-96. These factors more than offset the expansionary effect on reserve money, of the large contribution made by net foreign exchange assets of RBI in this financial year. The net foreign exchange assets of RBI increased by Rs. 11482 crore as compared to the decline of Rs. 458 crore in the corresponding period of 1995-96.
Credit
13.The structure of net bank credit to Government has undergone a sharp change in this financial year. The net RBI credit to the Government as a proportion of net bank credit to the Government is only 14 per cent during the 1996-97 so far, as compared to 53 per cent in the corresponding period of 1995-96. The slower growth in net RBI credit to Government was largely compensated by the 18.7 per cent expansion in ``other banks''' credit to the government during the year. The growth of "other banks'" credit to the commercial sector has been correspondingly weaker at 5.6 per cent or less than half of the 11.9 per cent growth in the comparable period of 1995-96. The growth of bank credit to the commercial sector has also been lower at 5.3 per cent during 1996-97 up to January 17, 1997. It recorded a 11.6 per cent growth in the last financial year up to January 19, 1996.
14.While non-food credit has recently shown signs of a moderate pick-up, the overall growth rate so far is just over one-third of the growth registered in the corresponding period of 1995-96. The slowing of bank credit has also been accompanied by a noticeable fall in interest rates. Given the accelerated growth of deposits with the banking system, the slowing down of credit growth, despite falling interest rates, mainly indicates a lower off-take of credit by the corporate sector. This could be attributed to a number of factors, including the delayed presentation of the Central Budget which might have led to postponement of investment decisions. Other reasons for slowing down of demand for credit include factors like excess capacity in certain sectors and a decline in export/import growth. Infrastructural constraints (like power shortage) also led to a fall in the industrial growth rate and that subdued the demand for bank credit . Bank lending rates remained sticky for some time despite increased liquidity with the commercial banks following CRR reductions. A decline in the proportion of low-cost deposits (like current and savings bank deposits) in total deposits put pressure on the interest costs of banks. Banks did not reduce their interest rates immediately, in order to avoid a dent in interest "spread" that would have affected their profits. With inflation falling sharply at the end of 1995-96, real interest rates rose, contributing to lower demand for credit.
15.The existence of large non-performing assets (NPA) has made banks extremely cautious with regard to fresh loans and very vigilant in credit appraisal. The frequent questioning of the lending judgement and associated enquiries by investigating agencies, also made banks cautious. They also had the option of investing in high return and low risk government securities and the bonds of various financial institutions.These instruments have become more liquid because of measures taken by the RBI. Low capital adequacy ratios appear to have influenced some banks to invest in these instruments rather than expanding commercial credit.
Interest Rates
16.The easing of monetary policy has been reflected in call money rates which have been ruling easy from the very beginning of the current financial year. The average call money rate declined from a high of 13.15 per cent at the beginning of the current financial year to between 5.99 and 10.65 per cent in September 1996. The call money rate fell further to 4.24 per cent on January 17, 1997. The cut-off yields on 91 day treasury bills have fallen from 12.97 per cent on April 4,1996 to 8.08 per cent as on January 24, 1997. The cut-off yields on 364 day treasury bills have also fallen from 13.12 per cent on April 10, 1996 to 10.33 per cent on January 15, 1997.
17.The easy monetary conditions are also reflected in the success of the Government's market borrowing programme and in the decline of interest rates on Government loans. In most of the auctions of treasury bills and dated securities, devolvement on the RBI has been smaller than in the previous year. The yield to maturity (YTM) on treasury bills especially on 91 day treasury bills, has come down. The coupon rates on dated securities of the Central Government have also come down during 1996-97 to 13.72 per cent on 4 year securities (from 14.26 per cent in 1995-96) and to 13.85 per cent on 10 year securities (from 14 per cent in 1995-96).
Cash Reserve Ratio
18.There was a significant reduction of the CRR required to be maintained by the banks against their total net demand and time liabilities. The CRR was reduced from 14 per cent to 13 per cent in two phases of 0.5 per cent point each, effective April 27 and May 11, 1996. The CRR on Non Resident (External) Rupee Accounts [NR(E)RA] was brought down to zero. There was another phase of CRR reduction to 12 per cent, effective July 6, 1996. CRR was further reduced by one per cent point in two phases of 0.5 per cent point each to 11 per cent effective from October 26, 1996 and November 9, 1996, respectively Further one per cent point reduction to 10 per cent was made in two phases of 0.5 per cent point each from the fortnight beginning January 4 and 18,1997, respectively.
19.All these reductions of CRR freed cash balances and augmented the lendable resources of the scheduled commercial banks. It was estimated that during 1996-97 up to December 1996, the CRR reductions augmented the lendable resources of the banks by about Rs. 13575 crore and a further amount of Rs. 4275 crore would have been released in January 1997. This will bring the total amount released through CRR cuts to Rs. 17850 crore in the current financial year. With zero CRR liability on NR(E)RA, NR(NR)RD,and FCNR(B) accounts, effective CRR on total net demand and time liabilities will fall below 10 per cent by March 1997.
Refinance facilities
20.With a view to rationalising the scheduled commercial banks' refinance from the RBI, the export credit refinance formula was changed from April 13, 1996. Refinance would continue to be provided on outstanding export credit eligible for refinance (rupee export credit and post-shipment export credit denominated in US Dollars taken together). Refinance would, however, be only 45 per cent of the outstanding export credit as on February 16, 1996 plus 100 per cent of the increase after this date. This reduced the potential refinance by about Rs.1200 crore, while CRR reductions simultaneously released sizeable cash balances. Effective from the fortnight beginning November 9, 1996, the refinance rate on outstandings upto February 16, 1996 was reduced from 45 per cent to 20 per cent. The rate of interest on export credit refinance continues to be at 11 per cent per annum. In view of the low utilisation of export credit refinance during the recent period and the release of resources through reduction in CRR, adequate resources are expected to be available for financing export credit.
21.The refinance facility against government securities was withdrawn with effect from July 6, 1996 in the wake of the CRR reductions. The unutilised government securities refinance limit, which now stands abolished, was to the tune of Rs.3385 crore.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
22.The effective SLR of the scheduled commercial banks is estimated to have fallen to 28.0 per cent of their total net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) at end March 1996. Banks are required to maintain (a) 25 per cent SLR on incremental domestic NDTL over September 30, 1994 level, (b) 31.5 per cent on this level, (c) 30 per cent SLR on FCNRA deposits and India Development Bonds and (d) zero SLR on other foreign currency liabilities. Consequent to the reduction in SLR on outstanding liabilities under NR(E)R Accounts from 28 per cent in March end, 1996 to 25 per cent effective from April 13, 1996, average SLR on outstanding NDTL got further reduced, though marginally. Since the growth of aggregate deposits has been strong in this financial year, the effective SLR on total outstanding NDTL came down to 27 per cent by end December 1996.
Interest Rates on Export Credit
23.It was decided to free the rate of interest on post-shipment export credit of medium and long
term maturity (i.e., deferred export credit for the period beyond 180 days). Accordingly, with effect from July
5, 1996, commercial banks were free to decide this interest rate after securing the approval of their Board.
They could fix their own interest rates on post-shipment rupee export credit for the period over 90 days and
up to 180 days from the date of advance. Banks were also free to determine the interest rates on export
credit beyond six months from the date of shipment. The interest rate on post-shipment rupee export credit up
to 90 days, however, remained at 13.0 per cent. Exporters had represented to the RBI that the benefit
of prescribed interest rate at 13.0 per cent per annum was denied to them, if the usance period of the
export bill (including transit period) exceeded 90 days. Therefore, effective from October 21, 1996, banks can
charge only 15.0 per cent for post-shipment rupee export credit for periods beyond 90 days and up to six
months from the date of shipment; this rate of interest would apply only for the period beyond 90 days and not
from the date of advance. This measure was expected to reduce the effective cost of credit to the exporter
and make exports more competitive.
Banking Policy and Trends
Systemic Reforms
24.Reforms introduced in the banking sector are a continuous process aimed at improving financial strength and functional efficiency of the commercial banks and bringing them up to the international standards. While the banking sector remains open to private initiatives, attempts to strengthen the public sector banks and improve their operational and technical efficiency continued.
Working Results
25.In 1995-96 the net profit of State Bank of India group at Rs.793 crore was slightly less than the Rs.846 crore in 1994-95 (Table 3.3). Nationalised banks, which had a small profit of Rs.269 crore in 1994-95, showed a net loss of Rs.1165 crore in 1995-96. The increase in operating profit to Rs. 3646 crore in 1995-96 from Rs.2937 crore in 1994-95 was offset by higher provisions. Out of the 19 nationalised banks seven banks suffered net losses and three out of them had operating losses.
26.Working results of the scheduled commercial banks in the last two financial years are presented in Table 3.4. Sub-totals are available for nationalised banks, SBI group of banks, private sector banks and foreign banks. For all banks together, every component of expenditure increased as a percentage of working funds in 1995-96. Interest income and `other' incomes also increased as a percentage of working funds in 1995-96. The increase in expenditure from 9.5 per cent to 10.7 per cent was larger than the increase in income from 9.9 per cent to 10.9 per cent. Consequently, in 1995-96, profits declined as a percentage of working funds for the banking sector as a whole. In contrast, private sector banks showed higher profit in 1995-96, because, as a percentage of working funds, their income rose more sharply (from 8.2 per cent to 11.8 per cent) than their expenditure (7 per cent to 10.3 per cent).
27.The contraction of net profit of public sector banks in 1995-96 was mainly due to the large depreciation on banks' investments in Government securities. In the last financial year, public sector banks (SBI group and 19 nationalised banks) were required to provide depreciation on these securities at a market related yield to maturity (YTM) rate which rose in 1995-96. The provision required on this account was, therefore, Rs. 2430 crore. This amounts to about two-thirds of their operating profits during 1995-96. However, this provision for depreciation on investments does not represent a realised loss but is only an "internal reserve" and hence does not involve any cash outgo.
Capital Adequacy
28.Efforts continued in 1995-96 to strengthen the capital base of banks. Six nationalised banks received a total capital contribution of Rs. 850 crore from the Government. Four banks, which had earlier received capital from the Government, have been permitted to refund a part of their respective capital infusions, amounting Rs. 841.93 crore, to the Government. Six nationalised banks received a capital restructuring loan of US $ 80 million in 1995-96, out of an approved Financial Sector Development Loan of US $ 700 million from the IBRD. A further provision of Rs.909 crore has been made in the current financial year's (1996-97) budget for recapitalisation of public sector banks.
29.There was a significant improvement in the capital adequacy status of the public sector banks at the end of 1995-96. The State Bank of India and all its subsidiaries attained 8 per cent capital to risk weighted asset ratio (CRAR) at end March, 1996. In 1994-95 only SBI and one of its subsidiaries had this distinction. Out of 19 nationalised banks, 11 reached the norm of 8 per cent CRAR, and 3 banks had a CRAR of 4 to 8 per cent. From 1995-96 banks were also required to maintain Tier I capital funds to the extent of 5 per cent of their foreign exchange reserves open position limit. Government provided Rs.1506.21 crore in the last financial year, for writing down of the capital base of two public sector banks, for adjustment of their losses.
30.Banks were advised not to include subordinated debt instruments with an initial maturity of less than five years, or debt instruments with one year remaining maturity, as part of their Tier II capital. These instruments are also subject to progressive discount (for inclusion) as they approach maturity. Since the quantum of discount to be applied for instruments of one to five year maturity was not earlier specified, banks were reportedly not following a uniform discounting policy. In view of this, the RBI has specified the rates of discount to be applied to these instruments by maturity. These vary from 100 per cent for instruments of less than one year maturity, to 20 per cent for instruments of more than four years but less than five years maturity.
Customer Services
31.Several measures have been taken to improve the quality of customer services offered by the banks to depositors and borrowers. Around 1400 branches have been fully computerised till end June 1996. Facilities like passbook printing, self service terminals for customers, terminals at customers places etc. have been installed in many of the branches. Efforts are also on to conduct SWIFT (Society for World-wide Inter-bank Financial Telecommunication) training courses for the Indian banking community on a regular basis. Individual banks have constituted task forces to increase the message traffic through SWIFT. In early 1997, the Shared Payment Network System (SPNS) at Mumbai, consisting of 145 ATMs from 38 banks, is expected to go live. It is proposed to extend this network to major cities. RBI launched the electronic clearing service (ECS) in April 1995 at Mumbai and Chennai. It has been extended to New Delhi and Calcutta as well. Once this service is made available across the country, it will reduce the number of physical instruments that pass through the traditional clearing system. The RBI has also started Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) between Mumbai and Chennai for retail customers.
32.Banks are making an attempt to evaluate services rendered in terms of the expectations and requirements of the customers and to redress customer complaints. These steps include setting up of a customer service division at controlling offices and customer service committees, and introduction of floor managers at large metropolitan and urban branches to provide on-the-spot redressal of customer grievances. Customer service audits are also being conducted periodically to ensure meaningful implementation of Goiporia Committee recommendations. A survey on the quality of customer service in 27 public sector banks is being conducted under the aegis of Indian Banks Association (IBA). This survey will form the basis for a customer service index to provide a rating of public sector banks. This survey is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 1997.
Banking Ombudsmen Scheme
33.Under the Banking Ombudsmen Scheme announced in June 1995 to expedite inexpensive resolution of customer complaints, eleven Ombudsmen are now functioning. They are located in New Delhi, Bhopal, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Patna, Jaipur, Kanpur, Guwahati and Bhuvaneswar.
Interest Rates
34.Further progress was made towards interest rate deregulation (Table 3.5)th effect from July 2, 1996 the minimum period of time deposits was reduced from 46 days to 30 days. In response to a fall in the annual inflation rate, the maximum interest rate on time deposits of 30 days and up to one year was reduced to 11 per cent. In October 1996, this interest rate was further reduced to 10 per cent. The interest rate on time deposits of over one year was deregulated. The interest rate on NR(E)RA deposits which was "not exceeding 12 per cent" for deposits of maturity over six months, was modified with effect from April 4, 1996. The interest rate of "not exceeding 12 per cent" was retained for NR(E)RA deposits of six months and upto two years. The interest rate on NR(E)RA deposits above two years was deregulated in order to bring them in alignment with domestic term deposits.
35.Though there was a significant fall in the inflation rate in 1995-96, real rates of interest on bank advances remained high. The nominal lending rates did not decline immediately following the cuts in CRR which had lowered the cost of bank funds. CRR cuts augmented banks' lendable resources by Rs. 7,252 crore between November 1995 and March 1996 and by Rs. 9300 crore between April 1996 and July 1996. In response to this, a few public sector banks reduced their PLR from 16.5 per cent to 16 per cent. This lag has been also seen in certain years in the past. In 1977-78 the real lending rate remained at 15 per cent even though the inflation rate dropped virtually to zero from 11.9 per cent in the previous year. Similarly in 1981-82, the real interest rate was as high as 17.1 per cent, when the inflation rate came down to 2.4 per cent from 16.7 per cent in the previous year. Nominal interest rates are observed to adjust to changes in inflation rates only with a lag.
36.In September 1996 the maximum lending rate of 47 banks exceeded PLR plus 4 per cent. For only 18 banks, the maximum lending rate charged was equal to PLR plus 4 per cent. In its busy season credit policy statement, the RBI drew the attention of the banks to the need for an appropriate reduction in the lending rates. It directed them to pass on a part of the gains, of the improved return on their funds (due to lower CRR), to the borrowers. Banks were told that extremely high interest rates might affect the viability of borrowers and their capacity to repay. High rates may eventually result in an increase in the non-performing assets (NPA) of the banks. They were asked to announce the maximum spread over the PLR for all advances (other than consumer credit,) after obtaining the approval of their respective Boards, Customers are more concerned with the actual interest rate charged than with the PLR. As a part of the monetary policy announcements in October 1996, a further reduction in CRR released about Rs. 8,550 crore during October 1996 to January 1997. A number of banks have already responded by bringing down their PLR by 0.5 to 1.5 per cent points, and announcing a 2.5 to 4.5 per cent margin over PLR.
37.In February 1996, the interest rate surcharge on outstandings under import credit sub-limit of cash credit limit, was enhanced to 25 per cent in order to restrain the excessive use of bank credit for financing imports. This surcharge was withdrawn with effect from July 23, 1996, in the context of developments in the foreign exchange market, and also in cognizance of the overall monetary and credit situation.
Provisioning and Other Norms
38.The process of tightening the norms of banking operations continued. From 1996-97 onwards, banks will be required to classify small loans below Rs.25,000/- into the specified four asset categories, and make appropriate provisioning for NPA's. Banks which are not able to do so, in view of the large number of accounts involved, have been granted extension of time up to end March 1998. The concerned banks should, however, make provisions to the extent of 15 per cent of the aggregate amount outstanding in this category of advances for the year ending March 31, 1997. This marks an increase over the 10 per cent provision required to be made during the year ended March 31, 1996. The minimum "mark to market" proportion of the approved securities was also raised to 40 per cent (from 30 per cent) for the year ended March 1996. For the current financial year this proportion has been raised further to 50 per cent. New private sector banks, set up under the guidelines issued by the RBI in January 1993, are required to "mark to market " their entire investments in approved securities from the current financial year. "Mark to market" valuation compels banks to take note of changes in interest rates. It makes them aware of the impact of their bids at the Government securities auction, on the value of their current portfolio.
Debt Recovery Tribunals
39.Six tribunals are functioning at Calcutta, New Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Chennai and one Appellate Tribunal is functioning at Mumbai. The functioning of tribunals has been facilitated by the Supreme Court order of March 18, 1996, that notwithstanding any stay order passed on any of the writ petitions, the tribunals shall resume their functions. These tribunals have heard quite a large number of cases involving several hundreds of crores of rupees, and have settled 148 cases involving Rs.196.7 crore. Some new tribunals are under consideration of the Government.
Supervision of banks
40.The Board for Financial Supervision set up an audit sub-committee to examine, on an on-going
basis, the system of empanelment and appointment of auditors, and the quality and coverage of audit reports.
A working group under the chairmanship of Shri S. Padmanabhan, was set up to review the system of
on-site supervision over banks. It has recommended extensive changes in bank inspection. These changes
include target appraisal of major portfolios and control systems, and a discriminatory approach to supervision
and inspection that distinguishes sound banks from problem banks. A new rating methodology has also
been suggested for the banks, on the lines of Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management, Earnings
and Liquidity (CAMEL), which is prevalent in the developed countries.
p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">41.During the current financial year, various measures were taken to enhance the operational efficiency
of banks, and stimulate competition in the banking sector. These measures cover further liberalisation of
deposit rates, near removal of selective credit controls, a large reduction in the CRR, and greater freedom in
foreign exchange advances.
| BOX 3.1 Credit Policy Measures 1996-97 |
|