Question : NPA OF BANKS

(a) whether non-performing assets of the public sectors banks have increased alarmingly during the iast two years;

(b) if so, the reasons therefore afongwith the NPAs of each public sector banks as on date;

(c) whether the main reasons for the mounting of NPA of banks is the practice of non-priority sector lending and investments; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government to stop such practice?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL):

(a) and (b) The gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of public sector banks and their percentage to gross advances as on 31 st March, 2001 and 31st March, 2002 are given below:

STATEMENT

(Rs.in Cr.)	March,2001	March,2002
A	Gross NPAs	54,672	56,507
B	% of GNPAs to	12.4	11.1	gross advances