RBI to allow four new banks
In a much-awaited big ticket announcement that hopes to boost the financial sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to allow the opening of new banks and invite applications for licences this month.
A top government source said the central bank will issue the final guidelines for setting up new banks and invite applications before it releases its second quarter review of the monetary policy on October 30. It is expected to offer four slots for new banks. The move has been brought forward to give a sense of direction and purpose to the current phase of economic reform, the source added.
New banks are expected to make the sector more competitive and promote financial inclusion through greater access to banking services. Since liberalisation in 1991, the RBI has given licences to 12 private banks in two phases. Ten of these banks were set up on the basis of guidelines issued in January 1993. Two more got licences based on the revised guidelines issued in January 2001.
The RBI’s announcement now will imply that the central bank has accepted the government position that it is not necessary to wait for the enactment of the Banking Laws Amendment Bill before the final guidelines are issued. However, the new licences will be given only after parliament passes the bill.
Under the norms, industrial houses and entities with a significant presence in real estate and construction will not be eligible for bank licences. The minimum capital requirement for each bank is expected to
