(a) the total amount of Non-Performing Assets of Public Sector Banks exclusive /inclusive of unrealised interest as on 31st December, 2000, separately;
(b) out of total NPAs as on 31st December 2000 state the portion that belongs to the agriculture sector; and
(c) the steps taken to recover the NPA ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTERY OF FINANCE (SHRI BALA SAHEB VIKHE PATIL)
(a):According to the information available with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Gross Non Performing Assets (NPAs) of Public Sector Banks as on 30th September, 2000 was Rs.55,971.44 crores. RBI has further reported that as per its guidelines, the banks are not to recognise the interest on advances which are classified as NPAs.
(b):According to the information available with RBI, the Gross NPAs of Public Sector Banks in the agriculture sector as on 31st March, 2000 was Rs.7,450.05 crores.
(c):Government of India and RBI have advised banks to take several steps for recovery of bank dues such as evolving and implementation of recovery policy by banks, filing of suits with civil courts, filing cases with Debt Recovery Tribunals, compromise settlement through Settlement Advisory Committees and monitoring and follow up of non-performing accounts at various levels in the bank. RBI vide its circular dated 27th July, 2000 has framed non-discretionary and non-discriminatory guidelines for settlement of NPAs upto Rs.5 crore and advised banks to evolve their own policy for loan outstandings of above Rs.5 crore. Effective action by banks for rehabilitation, one-time settlement or filing of suits in all necessary cases by 31.3.2001 has to be ensured by the chief executives.