GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered: Government policies and issues arising out of it.
Context:
RBI allows Payments Banks, Small Finance Banks to conduct Govt agency business.
- It will be subject to the condition that the concerned bank is not under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework or moratorium.
Power of accrediting an agency bank:
The choice of accrediting an agency bank (including scheduled private sector agency bank) for any particular government agency business rests solely with the concerned Central Government Departments /State Governments.
Implications:
- The Bank can now participate in government and other large corporations issued Request for Proposals (RFP), primary auctions, fixed-rate and variable rate repos, and reverse repos, along with participation in Marginal Standing Facility.
- Also, the bank would now also be eligible to partner in government-run financial inclusion schemes.
What are Small Finance Banks?
- Small finance banks are financial institutions that provide financial services to the country’s underserved and unbanked areas.
- They are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.
- These banks, like other commercial banks, can engage in all basic banking activities, such as lending and accepting deposits.
- The NachiketMor committee on financial inclusion suggested SFBs.
- Small Finance Banks can’t extend big loans. Cannot float subsidiaries or trade in high-tech products.
What are Payments bank?
Payment banks were established to promote financial inclusion by offering; ‘modest savings accounts and payments/remittance services to migratory labour workforce, low-income households, small enterprises, other unorganised sector entities, and other users.’
- These banks can accept a restricted deposit, which is now capped at Rs 200,000 per person but could be raised in the future.
- These banks are unable to provide loans or credit cards. Banks of this type can handle both current and savings accounts.
- Payments banks can provide ATM and debit cards, as well as online and mobile banking.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About Payment Banks.
- About SFBs.
- SFBs vs PBs.
- On-tap licensing.
- Scheduled Commercial banks.
Sources: the Hindu.
