Indian banks have already been able to achieve the minimum capital stipulated by the Basel III framework and are comfortable with its larger mandate, according to senior executive Indian Banks' Association (IBA).

This was the message that the visiting IBA team comprising Mr K. Unnikrishnan, Deputy Chief Executive, and Mr S. S. N. Murthy, Senior Vice-President, had to convey to local bankers here during an interaction organised by the Bankers' Club, Thiruvananthapuram.

Pivotal role

Among prominent speakers to address the gathering were Mr P. Pradeep Kumar, Managing Director, State Bank of Travancore (SBT), and Mr K. C. Shashidhar, Chief General Manager of the regional office of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

It was observed during the deliberations that banks should seek to play a pivotal role in driving inclusive growth. The latest developments in the financial inclusion drive, including remuneration payable on the no-frill accounts, were discussed.

The meeting expressed concern over the fact that a good number of these accounts were becoming inoperative over a period of time. Efforts should be initiated to revive such accounts.

Debt recovery

Another issue that came up during the deliberations was the ‘deadlock' with respect to Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) suits and additional steps aimed at facilitating recoveries. The bankers resolved to take it up at the ‘appropriate levels.'

Discussions were also held on agriculture loans and educational loans. The local bankers suggested various ideas to brushing up the image of banks, the spokesman added.

Prominent among those who took part in the deliberations included Mr N. K. Das, Secretary, Bankers' Club and Chief Manager (Human Resources Development), SBT; Mr N. Jayakrishnan; and Mr Alfie Francis, Deputy General Manager, Federal Bank.

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