(a) whether the nationalised banks provide any concession for the loans given to SCs and STs people;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any proposals to set up national banks exclusively for SCs and STs; and
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) and (b): As per extant guidelines of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on priority sector lending, banks including
nationalised banks are required to earmark 10% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent amount of
Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher, for Weaker Sections, which includes credit to Scheduled Castes
(SCs)/ Scheduled Tribes (STs). Further, with a view to ensure smooth flow of credit to SCs/STs, RBI has been issuing instructions to banks from time to time. In the latest Master Circular on Credit facilities to SCs and STs, issued by
RBI on 1st July, 2011, banks have been advised to give special emphasis for the welfare of SCs/ STs and take necessary measures to step up credit to them.
(c) and (d): There is no proposal at present, with the Government to set up national banks exclusively for SCs and STs.