State-run banks are mulling a common portal where they could offer
competitive and instant personal, housing and other retail loans based
on the creditworthiness of the borrower. The government is expected to help the banks set up such a portal
which at some later stage can also be used for offering loans to small
and micro industries.
“This is the next phase of banking where customers can avail of loans
quickly and don’t have to run around waiting for approvals,” said a
senior finance ministry official. The government first introduced the
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to make formal banking more inclusive and
now it is time to scale it up, he added.
“There have been some discussions, PSBs (public sector banks) are
encouraged by this idea and they will talk among themselves on how to
get this operational,” said the official. “We will provide them support
if so required.”
The initiative comes at a time when state-run banks have lagged way
behind their private sector counterparts on expanding their loans
portfolio despite a huge outreach. PSBs’ average credit growth in the
year through March 2018 was 4.7%, compared with 20.9% for private banks.
“PSBs will reverse this trend,” the official said.
As per the proposal, which is at a nascent stage, a borrower can fill
in the required details online based on which he will receive
competitive offers from interested lenders on personal loans, home loans
or auto loans. “There could be a common checklist which the banks can
use to assess the borrower’s creditworthiness,” the official said.
The government also wants PSBs to use new financial technologies to
make business transactions quicker and hassle-free. Banks have already
been directed to decide on loan applications from micro, small and
medium enterprises in a fortnight. “Brick-and-mortar branches will
progressively become redundant. This portal will have simplified forms
and processes to help borrowers get faster approvals on their
application,” he added.
Earlier this year, the government unveiled a reform agenda for PSBs,
termed EASE — Enhanced Access and Service Excellence. It focuses on six
themes: customer responsiveness, responsible banking, credit off take,
PSBs as Udyami Mitra, deepening financial inclusion & digitalisation
and developing personnel for brand PSB.
Source-bankersclub.in
Source-bankersclub.in
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