Question : NPAS OF BANKS

(a) the financial performance of nationalised banks for 2001-2002 reveals that gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of nationalised banks amounted to Rs.14,36,763 crore as compared to Rs.14,34,171 crore in 2000-2001;

(b) whether many foreign banks have managed to cut down their NPA levels during the year 2001-2002;

(c) if so, the facts and figures thereof;

(d) whether due to reduced staff strength in most of the nationalised banks on account of VRS, many of the nationalised banks were not able to make efforts to recover NPAs; and

(e) if so, the remedial steps taken in this regard ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ANANT G. GEETE)

(a) As reported by RBI the gross NPAs of Nationalised Banks amounted to Rs. 35208.63 crores on 31.03.2002 as compared to Rs. 33082.76 crores on 31.03.2001.

(b) & (c) No Sir, Only 19 of the 41 Foreign banks have reported decline in the ratio of net NPAs as on 31st March 2002. The net NPAs of all Foreign Banks together increased sharply by Rs. 393 crores (provisional) or by 53.11% as at the end of 31st March, 2002 over that of previous year.

(d) No Sir. Nationalised Banks are making rigorous efforts for recovery of NPAs through Settlement Advisory Committees, One Ttime Settlement Schemes, Lok Adalats, Corporate Debt Restructuring Mechanism, Debt Recovery Tribunal and Courts.

(e) Does not arise.