Evolution of PSL Priority Sector Lending (PSL) emerged from credit policy prescriptions in the late 1960s to channel institutional credit to underserved sectors critical for inclusive growth, gaining shape alongside bank nationalization in 1969 and subsequent policy frameworks in the 1970s. The concept was formalized through targeted prescriptions after early studies and working groups, culminating…
Performance and Credit Rating Scheme (PCRS) The Performance and Credit Rating Scheme (PCRS) was implemented by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) on behalf of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Although the scheme has since been discontinued, its objectives and methodology established an important foundation for the credit rating of MSMEs…
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme is a flagship farmer-centric initiative of the Government of India, designed to ensure timely and adequate credit support from the formal banking system. Introduced with the objective of streamlining agricultural lending, the scheme provides simplified and flexible procedures to meet the diverse financial needs of cultivators. The scheme extends…
The MSME sector is a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing about 30% to GDP, over one-third of manufacturing output, and nearly half of exports while providing large-scale employment and balanced regional development. Robust credit arrangements—priority sector norms, guarantee schemes, and digital rails—are essential to close the MSME credit gap, and banks must deploy disciplined appraisal…
The rural non-farm sector (RNFS) has become central to rural income diversification and employment in India, accounting for a rising share of rural output and jobs while interfacing with agriculture through value chains, services, and construction-led growth. Its finance ecosystem must align with facilitation, technology, marketing, and capacity-building to unlock productivity and quality employment across…
Crop loans provide short-term production credit for seasonal agricultural operations, while term-loans finance medium to long-term investments in agriculture and allied activities, with NABARD’s refinance architecture enabling cooperative banks and RRBs to deliver these at scale and affordable cost. RBI’s Master Directions guide banks on providing structured relief in areas hit by natural calamities, ensuring…
Co-lending between banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) is a strategic partnership model designed to expand credit access in underserved segments while ensuring efficient risk-sharing. Under this framework, both banks and NBFCs jointly finance loans to Priority Sector Assets (PSAs), with each contributing a pre-agreed share and managing the process collaboratively. For banks, this model…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a clarification regarding the treatment of loans extended to borrowers in the Agriculture and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sectors, where gold or silver is voluntarily pledged as collateral. Background As per existing norms, banks are required to provide collateral-free loans up to a prescribed limit…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has periodically issued comprehensive guidelines and instructions to banks to promote the flow of credit to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). In order to facilitate greater participation of SC/ST beneficiaries in availing credit facilities, it is imperative to enhance awareness of various schemes through effective communication strategies…
Students who belong to minority communities’ viz. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis are eligible for a 100% interest subsidy on education loans. This assistance is available to students who have secured admission to foreign Universities to pursue higher studies (i.e Post-Graduate Diploma, Masters, M.Phil, and Ph.D. level) and whose overall family income is…