Tag: India Banking Policy

Response to the Draft Circular on the Lead Bank Scheme Key Policy Proposals The Reserve Bank of India issued a Press Release on 13 February 2026 inviting public comments on the Draft Circular for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS). While the LBS has long supported rural and institutional banking, the current State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs) require a fundamental overhaul, as they no longer fully meet operational or structural needs. Given the breadth and complexity of the scheme, a structured response must address public sector banking reform, rural credit, SME financing, governance frameworks, and long-term capital markets. This blog consolidates public comments, including proposals from the paper “Reforms in Public Sector Banking.” 1. Transform the Central Bank of India into a Government-Owned Wholesale Bank The Central Bank of India should be delisted and all public shareholders bought out so it becomes a fully government-owned enterprise. The bank would focus on wholesale banking, serve State Governments and institutions, and divest SME advances to SIDBI, with SIDBI restructured as Bharath Laghu Udyog Bank. 2. Reorganise Rural Banking through NABARD and Grameen Banks Rural branches of public sector banks could be handed over to NABARD and other state-owned banks. About 120 branches would remain to support agricultural knowledge and rural development. Grameen Banks would be strengthened through Central Bank equity participation and improved coordination. 3. Develop a ₹9 Lakh Crore Long-Term Bond Market Grameen banks and development institutions could issue long-term bonds in GIFT City, attracting domestic and international investors. Bonds would fund agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure, while allowing farmers and local stakeholders to hold structured financial instruments for alternative income streams. Committee on Banking Reform The Government of India has announced the creation of a high-level committee to examine banking reforms. It should be chaired initially by a former Cabinet Secretary for at least nine months, with sufficient resources to guide policy. Over time, the committee could evolve into a permanent framework for prosperity-building within the Department of Banking Operations of the RBI. Its primary focus should be commercial banking reform, ensuring that public sector banks effectively serve institutional and rural needs. Governance and Institutional Structure Effective governance is key to institutional reform: – Appoint a retired officer of Secretary or Cabinet Secretary rank as Chairman Emeritus for two years. – Appoint a serving officer of Secretary rank as Chairman for three years to manage central and state relations. – Boards should include professionals from central, state, and national sectors, with four Additional Chief Secretaries from State Governments. – Four Managing Directors and five Executive Directors would execute government mandates in wholesale banking. Farmers’ Financial Participation and Agricultural Growth Structured financial mechanisms like Farmers’ and “Friends of Farmers” Funds could ensure that farmers hold up to ₹10 lakh crore in bonds and other instruments. These measures, coupled with strengthened rural banking, could support India’s agriculture in producing an additional 40 million metric tonnes of crops over 20–30 years, meeting both immediate and medium-term needs. Skill Development and Institutional Capacity Institutional capacity can be strengthened through: – Collaboration between RBI and AICTE to manage select engineering campuses for commercial banking skill development. – Recruitment by India Post to develop a nationwide banking and currency management cadre. – Absorption of experienced personnel by commercial banks for specialised roles in governance, fraud prevention, and rural banking operations. The overarching goal is professionalism, integrity, and long-term institutional sustainability. SME Recovery and State Financial Corporations State Financial Corporations (SFCs) could play a central role in restructuring and recovering SME accounts: – Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) accounts may be transferred to SFCs for structured recovery. – Collaboration with the Supreme Court of India and High Courts ensures integration into regular judicial frameworks. – Interest charges on recovery accounts could be suspended to facilitate SME restructuring. Conclusion The Draft Circular on the Lead Bank Scheme offers a chance to rethink India’s banking architecture. Reforms in public sector banks, rural financial institutions, bond markets, governance frameworks, and institutional capacity are critical to strengthen financial stability and support long-term economic growth. Ultimately, successful financial reform must rest on integrity, professionalism, and robust institutional structures. Credit will follow integrity.