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  • NATIONAL URBAN LIVELIHOODS MISSION (NULM)

    NATIONAL URBAN LIVELIHOODS MISSION (NULM)

    Government of India, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has restructured the existing Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) and launched the NULM w.e.f. 24.09.2013. Scheme is operative in all districts headquarters irrespective is population and all cities with population of 1 lakh or more and that SJSRY was to remain operational till March 31, 2014.

    The Self Employment Program (SEP) of NULM focuses on providing financial assistance through provision of interest subsidy on loans to support establishment of Individual & Group Enterprises and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of urban poor. The erstwhile provision of capital subsidy for USEP (Urban Self Employment Program) and UWSP (Urban Women Self-Help Program) under SJSRY has been replaced by interest subsidy for loans to Individual enterprise (SEP-I), Group enterprise (SEP-G) and Self Help Groups (SEP-SHGs).

    Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): With a view to improving the livelihood opportunities for the poor in urban areas, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (UPA Division), Government of India vide their Office Memorandum No.K-14011/2/2012-UPA/FTS-5196 dated February 19, 2016 has decided to enhance the scope of National Urban Livelihoods Mission. The Mission with enhanced scope was renamed as “Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)”.

    The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India has amended the operational guidelines of Self-Employment Programme (SEP) under DAY-NULM. Now Reserve Bank of India vide its Master circular RB1/2018-19/89 FIDD.GSSD.CO.BC.No.11/09.16.03/2018-19 dated December 06, 2018 has consolidated relevant guidelines along with amendments as effected by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and same has been placed on the RBI website www.rbi.orq.in.

    PAiSA Portal: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs since November 2018 incollaboration with the Allahabad Bank has also launched Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention Access (PAiSA Portal) for online processing and credit of interest subvented loans for beneficiaries under Self Employment Programme (SEP) component of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).

    The operational guidelines of the Self Employment Program (SEP): The SEP provides financial assistance to individuals/groups including street venders/hawkers of urban poor for setting up gainful self-employment ventures/ micro-enterprises, suited to their skills, training, aptitude and local conditions. The programme also supports Self Help Groups (SHGs) of urban poor to access easy credit from bank and avail interest subsidy on SHG loans. The SEP will also focus on technology, marketing and other support services to the above beneficiaries engaged in micro enterprises for their livelihoods and will also facilitate issuance of credit cards for working capital requirement of the entrepreneurs.

    Educational Qualifications and Training Requirement: No minimum educational qualification is required for prospective beneficiaries under this component. However, where the identified activity for micro-enterprise development requires some special skills appropriate training must be provided to the beneficiaries before extending financial support.

    Financial assistance should be extended only after the prospective beneficiary has acquired required skills for running the proposed micro-enterprise. In addition to skill training of the beneficiaries, the ULB will also arrange to conduct Entrepreneurship Development Program for 3-7 days for individual and group entrepreneurs.

    Interest Subvention: The difference between 7% p.a. and the prevailing It is to be provided to banks under NULM. After disbursement of loan to the beneficiaries, the concerned branch of the bank will send details of disbursed loan cases to ULB along with details of interest subsidy amount.

    Interest subsidy will be given only in case of timely repayment of loan. Suitable certification from banks will be obtained in this regard. An additional 3 percent interest subvention will be provided to all Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) who repay their loan in time.

    INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISES (SEP-I)-LOAN & SUBSIDY

    Eligibility for NULM Loan to Individual: An urban poor individual for setting up a micro-enterprise for self-employment. Beneficiary should have attained 18 years age.

    Project Cost: The maximum unit project cost for individual micro-enterprises cases is Rs. 2.00 lakh.

    Collateral on Bank Loan: No collateral required.  Banks are mandated not to accept collateral security in the cases of loans up to Rs. 5 lakh extended to units in the MSE Sector. Therefore, only the assets created would be hypothecated/mortgaged/pledged to banks for advancing loans.

    Repayment: 5 to 7 years after initial moratorium of 6-18 months as per norms of the banks.

    Margin Money: No margin money should be taken for a loan up to ₹ 50,000 and for higher amount loans, preferably 5% should be taken as margin money and it should in no case be more than 10% of the project cost.

    Type of Loan Facility: Banks may extend finance to individuals for capital expenditure in the form of Term Loan and Working Capital loans through Cash Credit. Banks may also extend Composite Loans consisting of Capital Expenditure and Working Capital components, depending upon individual borrower’s requirement.

    GROUP ENTERPRISES (SEP-G) -LOAN & SUBSIDY

    A Self Help Group (SHG) or members of an SHG constituted under DAYNULM or a group of urban poor for self-employment can avail benefit of subsidized loans under this component from any bank. The norms/ specifications for group based micro-enterprise loans are as follows:

    Eligibility Criteria: The group enterprises should have minimum of Three (3) members with a minimum of 70% of the members from urban poor families. More than one person from the same family should not be included in the same group.

    Age: All members of the group enterprise should have attained an age of 18 years at the time of applying for bank loan.

    Project Cost: The group will be eligible for a maximum loan of Rs. 2 Lakh per member or Rs. 10 Lakh, whichever is lower.

    Loan: Project cost less the beneficiary contribution (as specified by bank) would be made available as loan amount to the group enterprise by the bank.

    Type of Loan: Loan can be extended either as a single loan to the group functioning as one borrowing unit or each member of the group can be provided individual loans up to 2 lakh and an overall cap of 10 lakh based on the principal of joint liability of the group.

    Collateral on Bank Loan: No collateral guarantee required. Only assets created would be hypothecated/ mortgaged/ pledged to banks for advancing loans.  The banks may approach CGTMSE guarantee.

    Repayment: 5 to 7 years after initial moratorium of 6-18 months as decided by banks.

    SELECTION OF BENEFICIARY & PROCEDURE FOR SPONSORING APPLICATIONS

    The Community Organizers (COs) and professionals from Urban Local Body (ULB) will identify the prospective beneficiaries from among the urban poor. The beneficiaries may directly approach ULB or its representatives for assistance. Banks may also identify prospective beneficiaries at their end and forward such cases directly to ULB. The Banks may also use their empaneled Business Correspondents (BCs) and Business Facilitators (BFs) to increase the outreach. Due diligence will be undertaken as per the Banks’ policy, in this regard.

    1. The application for individual and group enterprise loans will be sponsored by the Urban Local Body (ULB) which will be the sponsoring agency for the individual and group enterprise.
    1. The ULB will create awareness regarding SEP to the prospective beneficiaries through mass media campaigns, Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities, advertisements in local newspapers, City Livelihoods Centres (CLCs) etc.
    1. The beneficiaries desirous of seeking financial assistance for setting up an enterprise can submit an application of intent to the concerned ULB officials on a plain paper with basic details viz: Name, Age, Contact details, Address, Aadhaar details (if any), amount of loan required, bank account number (if available), type of enterprise/ activity, category etc. The intent could also be sent by mail /post to the ULB office. The ULB shall accept such intents throughout the year.
    1. On submission/receipt of the intent from the beneficiary the respective ULB will enter the details in a register/or MIS if available and hence will generate a waiting list of beneficiaries. The ULB will issue an acknowledgement to the beneficiary with a unique registration number, which may be used as a reference number for tracking the status of application.
    1. ULB will call the beneficiaries in order of the waiting list to complete requisite documentation including filling of Loan Application Form (LAF), activity details, identity proof, address proof, bank account details etc. To verify the identity of the beneficiary, her/his Aadhar number will also be brought on record. The Loan Application Form (LAF) will contain basic data in respect of economic status of the beneficiary and her/his family.
    1. A Task Force constituted at ULB level will scrutinize the applications based on experience, skills, viability of activity, scope of the activity etc. Thereafter, the Task Force will shortlist the applications and call for interview of the applicants before recommending or rejecting the application or call for additional information from the applicant, if required.
    1. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Municipal Commissioner of ULB will be responsible to constitute the Task Force and will be the Chairman of the Task force. There could be more than 1 task force at ULB level depending upon the size/population of the ULB.

    The indicative composition of the Task Force is as follows:

    Sr. No. TASK Force at ULB level Role
    1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ULB / Municipal Commissioner of ULB / or any representative authorized by CEO ULB Chairman
    2. Lead District Manager (LDM) Member
    3. City Project Officer (CPO), ULB / or any authorized representative of ULB Member Convener
    4. Representative from District Industries Centre (DIC) Member
    5. Senior Branch Managers (Max-2) of banks Member
    6. Representatives (2) of Area Level Federation / City Level Federation Member

     

    1. The task force will then recommend the applications if found suitable, reject if found unsuitable or ask the beneficiary to submit further requisite information for re-examination on case to case basis.
    2. The case duly recommended by the task force will be forwarded by the ULB to the concerned banks for further processing. Such cases recommended by task force have to be processed by concerned banks within a time frame of 15 days. As these cases are already recommended by the task force, such cases should be rejected by banks only in exceptional circumstances.
    3. The banks will send a periodic report to the ULB on the status of the applications received. In case of MIS being used, the banks may be allowed to update the status of application online in addition to manual report.
    4. Banks may also directly accept the loan applications of urban poor beneficiaries on the basis of relevant documents as per the guidelines of Prime Minister MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) or any other such scheme without the need of having prior sponsoring from ULB. The banks can send details of such loans sanctioned by them to ULBs for confirmation of their eligibility for interest subsidy under DAY-NULM. Task Force constituted for scrutinizing applications should quickly clear these applications if they otherwise meet the criteria.

    The ULB will prepare a data sheet of the applications recommended by the TASK force along with their status details of the sanction, disbursement and rejection (along with reasons) after validating the same with the respective banks. This data sheet will be sent to SULM on a monthly basis. The SULM will compile all the reports received from respective ULBs and will communicate to M/o HUPA on a monthly basis. The SULM may arrange for additional funds/professional assistance for the purpose of providing above services to CLCs.

  • INFORMATION SECURITY IN ELECTRONIC BANKING

    INFORMATION SECURITY IN ELECTRONIC BANKING

    Internet banking has become one of the fastest and easiest way of banking. Information security issue is the most important one in using Internet and it becomes more crucial while implementing the Internet in banking sectors. This research revealed a lot of risks and threats to the security of online banking information which are increasing day by day. The demand for high security in banking & financial services creates both challenges and new business opportunities.

    INFORMATION SECURITY

    Information security is the process by which an organization protects and secures its systems, media, and facilities that process and maintain information vital to its operations. Financial institutions and banks protect their information by instituting a security process that identifies risks, forms a strategy to manage the risks, implements the strategy, tests the implementation, and monitors the environment to control the risks.

    RISK CONCERN AREAS

    Information security in finance and banking can be increased by striving certain objectives like availability, integrity, confidentiality, accountability and assurance. Security objectives can be achieved by Information Security Risk Assessment, Strategy, Controls Implementation, Monitoring & Process Monitoring and Updating. Monitoring and updating makes the process continuous instead of a one-time event. Security risk variables include threats, vulnerabilities, attack techniques, financial institution operations and technology, and the financial institution’s defensive posture.

    These standards provide systematic management approach to adopt the best practice controls, quantify the level of acceptable risk and implement the appropriate measures which protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) of information. Technical control improves security by Identity Authentication Management, Access Control Technology, Firewall Technology & Encryption technology (key technology). Internal control reduces the harm caused by internal personnel morals risk, the system resources risk and the computer virus.

    CONTROLS MECHANISM IN IT ENVIRONMENT

    Every bank and FI should identify the events and circumstances whose occurrence could result in a loss to that organisation. These are called exposures. Controls are those acts which the organisation should implement to minimize the exposures. In addition to knowing the cause(s) of exposure that a particular control is intended to act upon, it is also useful to know the type of role the control is intended to perform. There are basically four categories of control:

    Deterrent: These controls are designed to deter people (internal as well as external to the organisation) from undesirable behaviour. For example, written policies to deter people from doing undesired activities.

    Preventive: These controls prevent the cause of exposure from occurring, or at least minimize the possibility. For example, security-controls at various levels like hardware, system software, application software, database, network etc.

    Detective: When a cause of exposure has occurred, detective controls report its existence in an effort to minimize the extent of the damage. Certain fire precautions (such as heat detectors, smoke detectors etc.) fall into this category. Even auditing function can many times be also treated as a detective control.

    Corrective: These controls are necessary to recover from a loss situation. For example, without corrective controls in place (in the form of Disaster Recovery Management System), the bank has risk of loss of business and other losses (which could even result in bank going out of business) due to its inability to recover essential IT-based services, information and other resources, after the disaster strikes.

    INFORMATION SECURITY POLICIES

    Information Security Policies are the cornerstone of information security effectiveness. The Security Policy is intended to define what is expected from an organization with respect to security of Information Systems. The overall objective is to control or guide human behavior to reduce the risk to information assets by accidental or deliberate actions. Information security policies underpin the security and wellbeing of information resources. They are the foundation, the bottom line, of information security within an organization.

    We all practice elements of data security. At home, for example, we make sure that deeds and insurance documents are kept safely so that they are available when we need them. All office information deserves to be treated in the same way. In an office, having the right information at the right time can make the difference between success and failure. Data Security will help the user to control and secure information from inadvertent or malicious changes and deletions or unauthorized disclosure. There are three aspects of data security:

    Confidentiality: Protecting information from unauthorized disclosure like to the press, or through improper disposal techniques, or those who are not entitled to have the same.

    Integrity: Protecting information from unauthorized modification, and ensuring that information, such as a beneficiary list, can be relied upon and is accurate and complete.

    Availability: Ensuring information is available when it is required. Data can be held in many different areas, some of these are:

    • Network Servers;
    • Personal Computers and Workstations;
    • Laptop and Handheld PCs;
    • Removable Storage Media (Floppy Disks, CD-ROMS, Zip Disks, Flash Drive etc.);
    • Data Backup Media (Tapes and Optical Disks).

     Data Loss Prevention: Leading Causes of Data Loss:

    • Natural Disasters
    • Viruses
    • Human Errors
    • Software Malfunction
    • Hardware & System Malfunction

    Computers are more relied upon now than ever, or more to the point the data that is contained on them. In nearly every instant the system itself can be easily repaired or replaced, but the data once lost may not be retraceable. That’s why of regular system backups and the implementation of some preventative measures are always stressed upon.

    Natural Disasters: While the least probable cause of data loss, a natural disaster can have a devastating effect on the physical drive. In instances of severe housing damage, such as scored platters from fire, water emulsion due to flood, or broken or crushed platters, the drive may become unrecoverable.

    The best way to prevent data loss from a natural disaster is an off-site back up. Since it is nearly impossible to predict the arrival of such an event, there should be more than one copy of the system back up kept, one onsite and one off. The type of media back up will depend on system, software, and the required frequency needed to back up. Also be sure to check backups to be certain that they have properly backed up.

    Viruses: Viral infection increases at rate of nearly 200-300 new Trojans, exploits and viruses every month. With those numbers growing every day, systems are at an ever-increasing risk to become infected with a virus.

    There are several ways to protect against a viral threat:

    • Install a Firewall on system to prevent hacker’s access to user’s data.
    • Install an anti-virus program on the system and use it regularly for scanning and remove the virus if the system has been infected. Many viruses will lie dormant or perform many minor alterations that can cumulatively disrupt system works. Be sure to check for updates for anti-virus program on a regular basis.
    • Back up and be sure to test backups from infection as well. There is no use to restore virus infected back up.
    • Beware of any email containing an attachment. If it comes from anonymous sender or don’t know from where it has come or what it is, then don’t open it, just delete it & block the sender for future mail.

    Human Errors: Even in today’s era of highly trained, certified, and computer literate staffing there is always room for the timelessness of accidents. There are few things that might be followed: –

    • Be aware. It sounds simple enough to say, but not so easy to perform. When transferring data, be sure it is going to the destination. If asked “Would you like to replace the existing file” make sure, before clicking “yes”.
    • In case of uncertainty about a task, make sure there is a copy of the data to restore from.
    • Take extra care when using any software that may manipulate drives data storage, such as: partition mergers, format changes, or even disk checkers.
    • Before upgrading to a new Operating System, take back up of most important files or directories in case there is a problem during the installation. Keep in mind slaved data drive can also be formatted as well.
    • Never shut the system down while programs are running. The open files will, more likely, become truncated and non-functional.

    Software Malfunction: Software malfunction is a necessary evil when using a computer. Even the world’s top programs cannot anticipate every error that may occur on any given program. There are still few things that can lessen the risks:

    • Be sure the software used will meant ONLY for its intended purpose. Misusing a program may cause it to malfunction.
    • Using pirated copies of a program may cause the software to malfunction, resulting in a corruption of data files.
    • Be sure that the proper amount of memory installed while running multiple programs simultaneously. If a program shuts down or hangs up, data might be lost or corrupt.
    • Back up is a tedious task, but it is very useful if the software gets corrupted.

    Hardware Malfunction: The most common cause of data loss, hardware malfunction or hard drive failure, is another necessary evil inherent to computing. There is usually no warning that hard drive will fail, but some steps can be taken to minimize the need for data recovery from a hard drive failure:

    • Do not stack drives on top of each other-leave space for ventilation. An overheated drive is likely to fail. Be sure to keep the computer away from heat sources and make sure it is well ventilated.
    • Use an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to lessen malfunction caused by power surges.
    • NEVER open the casing on a hard drive. Even the smallest grain of dust settling on the platters in the interior of the drive can cause it to fail.
    • If system runs the scan disk on every reboot, it shows that system is carrying high risk for future data loss. Back it up while it is still running.
    • If system makes any irregular noises such as clicking or ticking coming from the drive. Shut the system down and call Hardware Engineer for more information.

     ABOUT VIRUSES

    A virus is a form of malicious code and, as such it is potentially disruptive. It may also be transferred unknowingly from one computer to another. The term Virus includes all sorts of variations on a theme, including the nastier variants of macro- viruses, Trojans, and Worms, but, for convenience, all such programs are classed simply as .virus..

    Viruses tend to fall into 3 groups: –

    Dangerous: Such as ‘Resume’ and ‘Love letter’ which do real, sometimes irrevocable, damage to a computer system files, and the programs and data held on the computer’s storage media, as well as attempting to steal and transmit user ID and password information.

    Childish: – Such as ‘Yeke’, ‘Hitchcock’, ‘Flip’, and Diamond, which do not, generally, corrupt or destroy data, programs, or boot records, but restrict themselves to irritating activities such as displaying childish messages, playing sounds, flipping the screen upside down, or displaying animated graphics.

    Ineffective: – Those, such as ‘Bleah’, which appear to do nothing at all except reproduce themselves, or attach themselves to files in the system, thereby clogging up the storage media with unnecessary clutter. Some of these viruses are ineffective because of badly written code, – they should do something, but the virus writer didn.t get it quite right.

    Within all types there are some which operate on the basis of a ‘triggered event’ usually a date such as April 1st, or October 31st, or a time such 15:10 each day when the. ‘Tea Time’ virus activates.

     Protection of computer from virus infection:

    • Make regular backups of important data.
    • Install antivirus software on computer and use it daily.
    • Update the antivirus software with the latest signature files on weekly/fortnightly basis. Antivirus software does no good unless it is frequently updated to protect against the most recent viruses.
    • Upgrade the antivirus software when new releases are provided.

    Never open or execute a file or e-mail attachment from an unidentified source. If user is unsure of the source, delete it. Recent viruses have been written so that they come from friends and colleagues. Be cautious with attachments even from trusted sources.

    If it was sent knowingly, an attachment could still contain a virus. Saving it as a file and running the virus scan software will catch any virus that it has been set up to find, therefore will catch most of them.

     INFORMATION SYSTEMS AUDIT (IS AUDIT)

    ‘The Working Group on Information Systems Security for the Banking and Financial Sector’ constituted by Reserve Bank of India enumerated that each Bank in the country should conduct ‘Information Systems Audit Policy’ of the Bank. Accordingly Information Systems Audit and Security cell prepare Information Systems Audit Policy. The fundamental principle is that risk and controls are continuously evaluated by the owners, where necessary, with the assistant of IS Audit function.

    The business operations in the Banking and Financial sector have been increasingly dependent on the computerized information systems over the years. It has now become impossible to separate Information Technology from the business of the banks. There is a need for focused attention of the issues of the corporate governance of the information systems in computerized environment and the security controls to safeguard information and information systems. The developments in Information Technology have a tremendous impact on auditing. Well-planned and structured audit is essential for risk management and monitoring and control Information systems in any organization.

    Safeguarding IS Assets: The Information systems assets of the organization must be protected by a system of internal controls. It includes protection of hardware, software, facilities, people, data, technology, system documentation and supplies. This is because hardware can be damaged maliciously, software and data files may be stolen, deleted or altered and supplies of negotiable forms can be used for unauthorized purposes. The IS auditor will be require to review the physical security over the facilities, the security over the systems software and the adequacy of the internal controls. The IT facilities must be protected against all hazards. The hazards can be accidental hazards or intentional hazards.

    Maintenance of Data Integrity: Data integrity includes the safeguarding of the information against unauthorized addition, deletion, modification or alteration. The desired features of the data are described here under:

    1. Accuracy: Data should be accurate. Inaccurate data may lead to wrong decisions and thereby hindering the business development process.
    2. Confidentiality: Information should not lose its confidentiality. It should be protected from being read or copied by anyone who is not authorized to do so.
    3. Completeness: Data should be complete.
    4. Reliability: Data should be reliable because all business decision are taken on the basis of the current database.
    5. Efficiency: The ratio of the output to the input is known as efficiency. If output is more with the same or less actual input, system efficiency is achieved, or else system is inefficient. If computerization results in the degradation of efficiency, the effort for making the process automated stands defeated. IS auditors are responsible to examine how efficient the application in relation to the users and workload.

    It summarizes the influence elements introducing the concept of information technologies in financial and banking industries and analyze the relationship of information technology risk factors. It explores why information security should be a priority for businesses and deals with how a security expert can model potential losses for their organization. It also provides guidelines for professionals to make well informed decisions.

  • HOUSING FINANCE IN INDIA

    HOUSING FINANCE IN INDIA

    INTRODUCTION

    To consolidate framework of rules and regulations on Housing Finance issued by RBI Master Circular DBR.No.DIR.BC.13/08.12.001/2015-16 dated July 1, 2015.

    In pursuance of National Housing Policy of Central Government, Reserve Bank of India has been facilitating the flow of credit to housing sector. Since housing has emerged as one of the sectors attracting a large quantum of bank finance, the current focus of RBI’s regulation is to ensure orderly growth of housing loan portfolios of banks.

    NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY

    As part of the strategy to overcome the colossal housing shortage, the Central Government adopted a comprehensive National Housing Policy which, among other things, envisaged:

    1. Development of a viable and accessible institutional system for the provision of housing finance;
    2. Establishing a system where housing boards and development authorities would concentrate on acquisition and development of land and infrastructure; and
    3. Creation of conditions in which access to institutional finance is made easier and affordable for individuals for construction/buying of houses/flats. This may include outright purchase of houses/flats constructed by or under the aegis of public agencies.

    Banks with their vast branch network throughout the length and breadth of the country occupy a very strategic position in the financial system and were required to play an important role in providing credit to the housing sector in consonance with the National Housing Policy.

    VARIOUS REGULATIONS

    While formulating their policies, banks have to take into account the following RBI guidelines and ensure that bank credit is used for production, constructions activities and not for activities connected with speculation in real estate.

     (a) ACQUISITION OF LAND:

    Bank finance granted only for purchase of a plot, provided a declaration is obtained from the borrower that he intends to construct a house on the said plot, with the help of bank finance or otherwise, within such period as may be laid down by the banks themselves.

     (b) CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING / READY-BUILT HOUSE:

    (i) Banks may grant loans to individuals for purchase/construction of dwelling unit per family and loans given for repairs to the damaged dwelling units of families.

    (ii) Bank may extend finance to a person who already owns a house in town/village where he resides, for buying/ constructing a second house in the same or other town/ village for the purpose of self-occupation.

    (iii) Bank may extend finance for purchase of a house by a borrower who proposes to let it out on rental basis on account of his posting outside the headquarters or because he has been provided accommodation by his employer.

    (iv) Bank may extend finance to a person who proposes to buy an old house where he is presently residing as a tenant.

    (v) Banks may finance for construction meant for improving the conditions in slum areas for which credit may be extended directly to the slum-dwellers on the guarantee of the Government, or indirectly to them through the State Governments.

    (vi) Bank may provide credit for slum improvement schemes to be implemented by Slum Clearance Boards and other public agencies.

    (vii) Banks are advised to also adhere to the following conditions, in the light of the observations of Delhi High Court on unauthorized construction:

    (a) In cases where the applicant owns a plot/land and approaches the banks/FIs for a credit facility to construct a house, a copy of the sanctioned plan by competent authority in the name of a person applying for such credit facility must be obtained by the Banks/FIs before sanctioning the home loan.

    (b) An affidavit-cum-undertaking must be obtained from the person applying for such credit facility that he shall not violate the sanctioned plan, construction shall be strictly as per the sanctioned plan and it shall be the sole responsibility of the executants to obtain completion certificate within 3 months of completion of construction, failing which the bank shall have the power and the authority to recall the entire loan with interest, costs and other usual bank charges.

    (c) An Architect appointed by the bank must also certify at various stages of construction of building that the construction of the building is strictly as per sanctioned plan and shall also certify at a particular point of time that the completion certificate of the building issued by the competent authority has been obtained.

    (d) In cases where the applicant approaches the bank/FIs for a credit facility to purchase the built up house/flat, it should be mandatory for him to declare by way of an affidavit-cum-undertaking that the built up property has been constructed as per the sanctioned plan and/or building bye-laws and as far as possible has a completion certificate also.

    (e) An Architect appointed by the bank must also certify before disbursement of the loan that the built-up property is strictly as per sanctioned plan and/or building bye-laws.

    (f) No loan should be given in respect of those properties which fall in the category of unauthorized colonies unless and until they have been regularized and development and other charges paid.

    (g) No loan should also be given in respect of properties meant for residential use but which the applicant intends to use for commercial purposes and declares so while applying for loan.

    (viii) Supplementary Finance:

    (a) Banks may consider requests for additional finance within the overall ceiling for carrying out alterations/ additions/repairs to the house/flat already financed by them.

    (b) In the case of individuals who might have raised funds for construction/ acquisition of accommodation from other sources and need supplementary finance, banks may extend such finance after obtaining paripassu or second mortgage charge over the property mortgaged in favour of other lenders and/or against such other security, as they may deem appropriate.

    (c) Banks may consider for grant of finance to –

    (i) the bodies constituted for undertaking repairs to houses, and

    (ii) the owners of building/house/flat, whether occupied by themselves or by tenants, to meet the need-based requirements for their repairs/additions, after satisfying themselves regarding the estimated cost (for which requisite certificate should be obtained from an Engineer / Architect, wherever necessary) and obtaining such security as deemed appropriate.

    Lending to Housing Finance Institutions

    Banks may grant term loans to housing finance institutions taking into account (long-term) debt-equity ratio, track record, recovery performance and other relevant factors including the other applicable regulatory guidelines.

    Lending to Housing Boards and Other Agencies

    Banks may extend term loans to state level housing boards and other public agencies. However, in order to develop a healthy housing finance system, while doing so, the banks must not only keep in view the past performance of these agencies in the matter of recovery from the beneficiaries but they should also stipulate that the Boards will ensure prompt and regular recovery of loan installments from the beneficiaries.

    Adherence to guidelines on Commercial Real Estate (CRE) exposure

    Lending to housing intermediary agencies will be subject to the guidelines on commercial real estate exposure.

    Bank finance should, however, not be granted for the following:

    (a) Banks should not grant finance for construction of buildings meant purely for Government/Semi-Government offices, including Municipal and Panchayat offices. However, banks may grant loans for activities, which will be refinanced by institutions like NABARD.

    (b) Projects undertaken by public sector entities which are not corporate bodies (i.e. public sector undertakings which are not registered under Companies Act or which are not Corporations established under the relevant statute) may not be financed by banks.

    QUANTUM OF LOAN

    (a) While deciding the quantum of loan to be granted as housing finance, banks should ensure that the LTV ratio for loans are as under:

     
    Category of Loan LTV Ratio (%)
    (a) Individual Housing Loans
    Upto ` 20 lakh 90
    Above ` 20 lakh & upto ` 75 lakh 80
    Above ` 75 lakh 75
    (b) CRE – RH NA

    (b) In order to have uniformity in the practices adopted for deciding the value of the house property while sanctioning housing loans, banks should not include stamp duty, registration and other documentation charges in the cost of the housing property they finance so that the effectiveness of LTV norms is not diluted.

    (c) However, in cases where the cost of the house/dwelling units does not exceed Rs.10 lakh, bank may add stamp duty, registration and other documentation charges to the cost of the house/dwelling unit for the purpose of calculating LTV ratio.

    (d) It has been observed that some banks have introduced certain innovative Housing Loan Schemes in association with developers / builders, e.g. upfront disbursal of sanctioned individual housing loans to the builders without linking the disbursals to various stages of construction of housing project, Interest/EMI on the housing loan availed of by the individual borrower being serviced by the builders during the construction period/ specified period, etc. This might include signing of tripartite agreement between the bank, the builder and the buyer of the housing unit. These loans products are popularly known by various names like 80:20, 75:25 schemes.

    (e) Such housing loan products are likely to expose the banks as well as their home loan borrowers to additional risks e.g. in case of dispute between individual borrowers and developers/builders, default/ delayed payment of interest/ EMI by the developer/ builder during the agreed period on behalf of the borrower, non-completion of the project on time etc. Further, any delayed payments by developers/ builders on behalf of individual borrowers to banks may lead to lower credit rating/ scoring of such borrowers by credit information companies (CICs) as information about servicing of loans get passed on to the CICs on a regular basis. In cases, where bank loans are also disbursed upfront on behalf of their individual borrowers in a lump-sum to builders/ developers without any linkage to stages of constructions, banks run disproportionately higher exposures with concomitant risks of diversion of funds.

    (f) Banks are advised that disbursal of housing loans sanctioned to individuals should be closely linked to the stages of construction of the housing project / houses and upfront disbursal should not be made in cases of incomplete / under-construction / green field housing projects.

    (g) However, in cases of projects sponsored by Government/Statutory Authorities, banks may disburse the loans as per the payment stages prescribed by such authorities, even where payments sought from house buyers are not linked to the stages of constructions, provided such authorities have no past history of non-completion of projects.

    (h) It is emphasized that banks while introducing any kind of product should take into account the customer suitability and appropriateness issues and also ensure that the borrowers/ customers are made fully aware of the risks and liabilities under such products.

     RATE OF INTEREST

    Banks should charge interest on housing finance granted by them in accordance with the directives on “Interest Rates on Advances” issued by Reserve Bank of India from time to time.

    APPROVALS FROM STATUTORY/ REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

    While appraising loan proposals involving real estate, banks should ensure that the borrowers should have obtained prior permission from government / local governments / other statutory authorities for the project, wherever required. In order that the loan approval process is not hampered on account of this, while the proposals could be sanctioned in normal course, the disbursements should be made only after the borrower has obtained requisite clearances from the government authorities.

    EXPOSURE TO REAL ESTATE

    Banks are well advised to frame comprehensive prudential norms relating to the ceiling on the total amount of real estate loans, single/group exposure limit for such loans, margins, security, repayment schedule and availability of supplementary finance and the policy should be approved by the bank’s board. While framing the bank’s policy the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank should be taken into account.

    HOUSING LOANS UNDER PRIORITY SECTOR

    The grant of housing loan for the purpose of the priority sector lending targets including reporting requirements will be subject to the instructions on “Priority Sector Lending” as amended from time to time.

    The following housing loans are categorised as Priority Sector Advances;

    1. Loan for Construction and Purchase: Loans to individuals up to Rs.35 lakh in metropolitan centres (with population of ten lakh and above) and loans up to Rs. 25 lakh in other centres for purchase/construction of a dwelling unit per family provided the overall cost of the dwelling unit in the metropolitan centre and at other centres should not exceed Rs. 45 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh respectively. The housing loans to banks’ own employees will be excluded.
    2. Loan for Repairs: Loans for repairs to damaged dwelling units of families up to Rs.5 lakh in metropolitan centres and up to Rs. 2 lakh in other centres.
    3. Loan to governmental agency: Bank loans to any governmental agency for construction of dwelling units or for slum clearance and rehabilitation of slum dwellers subject to a ceiling of Rs.10 lakh per dwelling unit.
    4. Loan for housing projects: The loans sanctioned by banks for housing projects exclusively for the purpose of construction of houses for economically weaker sections and low-income groups, the total cost of which does not exceed Rs.10 lakh per dwelling unit. For the purpose of identifying the economically weaker sections and low-income groups, the family income limit of Rs.3 lakh for EWS and Rs. 6 lakh for LIG per annum, in alignment with the income criteria specified under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
    5. Loan to HFC: Bank loans to Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), approved by NHB for their refinance, for on-lending for the purpose of purchase/construction/ reconstruction of individual dwelling units or for slum clearance and rehabilitation of slum dwellers, subject to an aggregate loan limit of Rs. 10 lakh per borrower.
    6. Outstanding deposits with NHB on account of priority sector shortfall.

    QUESTION HUB (MORTGAGE/HOME LOAN)

    Question: Sir I have a home loan now I am suffering for cancer How can bank provide me some financial help

    Answer: Most of the banks provide Life insurance and Credit guarantee insurance to their home loan account holder. It means your home loan outstanding is secured with credit life insurance. Banks also provide Top Up Loan for any business/personal purpose to its Home Loan account holders. You may contact to bank for Top Up loan for treatment.

    Question: Can I get home loan with furniture?

    Answer: Many banks such as Bank of India provides loan for furnishing the house. This loan has same rate of Interest as Home loan. Loan limit is Rs.5 lakhs (15% of Home loan) for furnishing, If Solar PVs on the roof top Rs. 10 Lakhs [To be sanctioned as separate Personal loan with ROI as applicable to Home loan & max. repayment period of 10 years – Extension of charge over property]

    Question: What is the rate of home loan interest for purchasing 5th flat?

    Answer: Rate of Interest will be same for purchase of first flat or any subsequent number of flats. Margin money will be changed for first flat with second or any subsequent number of flats.

    Question: If closed two-wheeler loan effect on home loan?

    Answer: No, it will not affect existing home loan any way. If you want to apply for home loan, your loan eligibility amount will increase by reducing your total deduction (Maximum deduction 60% of your income if annal family income is up to Rs. One lakh) after closing of two-wheeler loan.

    Question: Can a bank reschedule home loan without given information?

    Answer: No, bank can reschedule home loan or any loan on the request of the borrower or after consent of the borrower. Proper notice or information is compulsory for reschedule of any loan account.

     Question: Can a bank extend time period of home loan without giving information how many time period bank can increase?

    Answer: No, bank can extend time period of home loan or any loan on the request of the borrower or after consent of the borrower. Proper notice or information is compulsory for reschedule of any loan account. Number of reschedule depends upon RBI and Bank’s own guideline.

    Question: How to make a request for home loan status?

    Answer: Home loan can apply online on bank’s website or through  www.psbloansin59minutes.com and check the status online. Applicant can apply offline and demand information about status from branch.

  • RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT, 2005

    RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT, 2005

    The basic objective of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, and public authority. The act helps to mitigate the corruption, and to enhance people’s participation in democratic process, so that our democracy work for the people in a real sense. The act equipped the citizens to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of governance and make the government more accountable to the governed. Implication of the Act is a big step towards making the citizens informed about the activities of the Government.

    Introduction of the Act: This law was passed by Parliament on 15 June 2005 and came into force on 12 October 2005. The Act covers the whole of India . This law is very comprehensive and covers almost all matters of governance. This Law has a wide reach, being applicable to Government at all levels- Union, State and Local as well as to the recipients of substantial government funds.

     Which type of Information can be demand under the Act? 

    Information is any material in any form. It includes:

    • records, documents, memos;
    • e-mails, opinions, advice;
    • press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks;
    • contracts, reports, papers samples, models;
    • data material held in any electronic form.

    It also includes information relating to any private body which can be accessed by the public authority under any law for the time being in force.

     Who is a Public Authority?
    1. A “public authority” is any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted by or under the Constitution; or by any other law made by the Parliament or a State Legislature; or by notification issued or order made by the Central Government or a State Government.
    2. The bodies owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Central Government or a State Government are also public authorities.
    3. A Non-Government organisation substantially financed by the Central Government or a State Government also fall within the definition of public authority. The substantial financing by the Central Government or a State Government may be direct or indirect. The Act does not define substantial financing.
    4. Various courts/Information Commissions have been deciding on this issue on case to case basis, depending upon the merits of each case.

     Public Information Officer: Public authorities have designated some of its officers as Public Information Officers. They are responsible to give information to a person who seeks information under the RTI Act.

    Assistant Public Information Officer: These are the officers at sub-divisional level to whom a person can give his RTI application or appeal. These officers send the application or appeal to the Public Information Officer of the public authority or the concerned appellate authority. An Assistant Public Information Officer is not responsible to supply the information.

     Right to information under the Act:
    • A citizen has a right to seek such information from a public authority which is held by the public authority or which is held under its control.
    • A citizen has aright to inspection of a work, documents and records; taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records; and taking certified samples of material held by the public authority or held under the control of the public authority.
    • A citizen has a right to obtain information from a public authority in the form of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through print-outs provided such information is already stored in a computer or in any other device.
    • The information to the applicant should ordinarily be provided in the form in which it is sought. However, if the supply of information sought in a particular form would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or may cause harm to the safety or preservation of the records, supply of information in that form may be denied.
    • In some cases, the applicants expect the Public Information Officer to give information in some particular proforma devised by them on the plea that they have aright to get information in the form in which it is sought. It need be noted that the provision in the Act simply means that if the information is sought in the form of photocopy, it shall be provided in the form of photocopy, or if it is sought in the form of a floppy or in any other electronic mode, it shall be provided in that form, subject to the conditions given in the Act. It does not mean that the PIO shall re-shape the information.

    Supply of Information to Associations etc.: The Act gives the right to information only to the citizens of India. It does not make provision for giving information to Corporations, Associations, Companies etc. which are legal entities/persons, but not citizens. However, if an application is made by an employee or office-bearer of any Corporation, Association, Company, NGO etc. indicating his name and such employee/office bearer is a citizen of India, information may be supplied to him/her.

    Fee for Seeking Information: A citizen who desires to seek some information from a public authority is required to send, along with the application, a demand draft or a bankers cheque or an Indian Postal Order of Rs.10/- (Rupees ten), payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority as fee prescribed for seeking information. The payment of fee can also be made by way of cash to the public authority or to the Assistant Public Information Officer, against a proper receipt. The payment of fee to the Central Ministries/departments can also be made online through internet banking of State Banks of India or through Master/Visa Debit/credit cards.

    The applicant may also be required to pay further fee towards the cost of providing the information, details of which shall be intimated to the applicant by the PIO as prescribed by the Right to Information Rules, 2012. Rates of fee as prescribed in the Rules are given below:

    (a) Rupees two (Rs. 2/-) for each page (in A-3 or smaller size paper);

    (b) Actual cost or price of a photocopy in larger size paper;

    (c) Actual cost or price for samples or models;

    (d) Rupees fifty (Rs.50/-) per diskette or floppy; and

    (e) Price fixed for a publication or rupees two per page of photocopy for extracts from the publication.

     A citizen has a right to inspect the records of a public authority. For inspection of records, the public authority shall charge no fee for the first hour. But a fee of rupees five (Rs.5/-) for each subsequent hour (or fraction thereof) shall be charged.

    If the applicant belongs to the below poverty line (BPL) category, he is not required to pay any fee. However, he should submit a proof in support of his claim as belonging to the below poverty line category.

     Format of Application: There is no prescribed format of application for seeking information. Theapplication can be made on plain paper. The applicant should mention the address at which the information is required to be sent.

    The information seeker is not required to give reasons for seeking information.

     Information Exempted From Disclosure: The Act lists certain categories of information that is exempted from disclosure. These include: 

    1. Information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interest of the State, relation with foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence;
    2. information which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court;
    3. Information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or State Legislature; or
    4. cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers,secretaries and other officers subject to the conditions given in proviso to clause (i) of sub-section(1) of Section 8 of the Act.
    5. Information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes;
    6. Information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders;
    7. Information received in confidence from foreign government;

    In respect of item listed at (a), (c), and (d), the information if relating to any event which occurred or happened 20 years before the date on which the request is made shall be provided to the person making a request.

     Record Retention Schedule and the Act: The Act does not require the public authorities to retain records for indefinite period. The records need to be retained as per the record retention schedule applicable to the concerned public authority.

    Assistance Available to the Applicant: If a person is unable to make a request in writing, he may seek the help of the Public Information Officer to write his application and the Public Information Officer should render him reasonable assistance.

    Time Period for Supply of Information: In normal course, information to an applicant shall be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of application by the public authority. If information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within 48 hours.

    Appeals: If an applicant is not supplied information within the prescribed time of thirty days or 48 hours, as the case may be, or is not satisfied with the information furnished to him, he may prefer an appeal to the first appellate authority who is an officer senior in rank to the Public Information Officer. Such an appeal should be filed within a period of 30 days from the date on which the limit of 30 days of supply of information is expired or from the date on which the information or decision of the Public Information Officer is received. The appellate authority of the public authority shall dispose of the appeal within a period of 30 days or in exceptional cases within 45 days of the receipt of the appeal.

    If the first appellate authority fails to pass an order on the appeal within the prescribed period or if the appellant is not satisfied with the order of the first appellate authority, he may prefer a second appeal with the Information Commission within 90 days from the date on which the decision should have been made by the first appellate authority or was actually received by the appellant.

    Complaints: If any person is unable to submit a request to a Public Information Officer either by reason that such an officer has not been appointed by the concerned public authority; or the Assistant Public Information Officer has refused to accept his or her application or appeal for forwarding the same to the Public Information Officer or the appellate authority, as the case may be; or he has been refused access to any information requested by him under the RTI Act; or he has not been given a response to a request for information within the time limit specified in the Act; or he has been required to pay an amount of fee which he considers unreasonable; or he believes that he has been given incomplete, misleading or false information, he can make a complaint to the Information Commission.

    Imposition of Penalty: An applicant under the act has a right to appeal to the Information Commission and also to make complaint to the commission. The Information Commission has power to impose a penalty of Rs.250/- each day information is furnished subject to the condition that the total amount of such penalty shall not exceed Rs. 25000/-. Where the Information Commission at the time of deciding any complaint or appeal is of the opinion that the Public Information Officer has without any reasonable cause, refused to receive an application for information or has not furnished information within the time specified or malafidely denied the request for information or knowingly given incorrect, incomplete or misleading information or destroyed information, it shall impose a penalty.

    The Public Information Officer shall, however, be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard before any penalty is imposed on him.

    Third Party Information: Third party in relation to the Act means a person other than the citizen making a request for information. The definition of third party includes a public authority other than the public authority to which the request has been made.

     Disclosure of Third Party Information: Information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, is exempt from disclosure. Such information should not be disclosed unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information.

    RTI ONLINE: Department of Personnel & Training has launched a web portal namely RTI online with URL www.rtionline.gov.in for all Central Ministries/Departments. This is a facility for the Indian citizens to file RTI applications and first appeals online to all Central Ministries/Departments. The prescribed RTI fees can also be paid online. Reply to the RTI applications and first appeals received online can also be given online by the respective PIOs/FAAs.

    Compilation of OMs and notifications on RTI: Department of Personnel and Training has launched an online compilation of its office memorandums and notifications on Right to Information Act, 2005, with topic based search facility. This compilation is available on the website of the Department namely www.persmin.nic.in and is beneficial to all the stakeholders.

     For Public Authorities: Public authorities are the repository of information which the citizens have a right to access under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Act casts important obligations on public authorities so as to facilitate the citizens of the country to access the information held under their control.

    Maintenance and Computerisation of Records: Proper management of records is of utmost importance for effective implementation of the provisions of the Act. A public authority should, therefore, maintain all its records properly. It should ensure that the records are duly catalogued and indexed in such a manner and form that it may facilitate the right to information.

     Protection for Work Done in Good Faith: Section 21 of the act provides that no suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under the act or any rule made there under. A Public Information Officer should, however, note that it would be his responsibility to prove that his action was in good faith.

  • KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC) SCHEME

    KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC) SCHEME

    KCC scheme was first introduced during the year 1998 for farmers on the basis of their holdings by the banks for purchase of agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and draw cash for their production needs. The scheme was further extended for the investment credit requirement of farmers viz. allied and non-farm activities in the year 2004. 

    The Kisan Credit Card has emerged as an innovative credit delivery mechanism to meet the production credit requirements of the farmers in a timely and hassle-free manner. The GOI, Ministry of Finance constituted a Working Group under the chairmanship of Shri T M Bhasin, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Bank to review the KCC Scheme. Based on the recommendations of the Working Group which were accepted by the GOI, the revised KCC Scheme is effective from 12 May 2012.

    In the Budget 2018-19 the Union Government had announced their decision to extend the facilities of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to Animal Husbandry farmers and Fisheries (AH & F) to help them meet their working capital requirements. The revised KCC Scheme is to be Implemented by Commercial Banks, RRBs and cooperatives.  

    Applicability of the Scheme: The Revised KCC Scheme detailed in the ensuing paragraphs is to be implemented by Commercial Banks, RRBs, and Cooperatives. The scheme provides broad guidelines to the banks for operationalising the KCC scheme.

    Objectives/Purpose: Kisan Credit Card Scheme aims at providing adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window to the farmers for their cultivation & other needs as indicated below:

    1. To meet the short-term credit requirements for cultivation of crops;
    2. Post-harvest expenses;
    3. Produce Marketing loan;
    4. Consumption requirements of farmer household;
    5. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture, like dairy animals, inland fishery etc.;
    6. Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities like pump sets, sprayers, dairy animals etc.

    Note: The aggregate of components ‘1’ to ‘5’ above will form the short term credit limit portion and the aggregate of components under ‘6’ will form the long term credit limit portion.

    Eligibility: Following farmers are eligible under the scheme:

    1. All Farmers – Individuals / Joint borrowers who are owner cultivators;
    2. Tenant Farmers, Oral Lessees & Share Croppers;
    3. SHGs or Joint Liability Groups of Farmers including tenant farmers, share croppers etc.

    Fixation of credit limit/Loan amount: The credit limit under the Kisan Credit Card may be fixed as under:

    For Marginal Farmers: A flexible limit of Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000 be provided (as Flexi KCC) based on the land holding and crops grown including post-harvest warehouse storage related credit needs and other farm expenses, consumption needs, etc., plus small term loan investments like purchase of farm equipment, establishing mini dairy/backyard poultry as per assessment of Branch Manager without relating it to the value of land. The composite KCC limit is to be fixed for a period of five years on this basis. Wherever higher limit is required due to change in cropping pattern and/or scale of finance, the limit may be arrived at as per the estimation.

    All farmers other than marginal farmers: Limit is arrived as per scale of finance.

    The short-term limit to be arrived for the first year: Scale of finance for the crop (as decided by District Level Technical Committee) x Extent of area cultivated + 10% of limit towards post-harvest / household / consumption requirements + 20% of limit towards repairs and maintenance expenses of farm assets + crop insurance, PAIS & asset insurance.

    I. LOAN LIMIT FOR NEXT 5 YEARS:

    • Add 10% of first year limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance——-2
    • Add 10% of second year limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance——-3
    • Add 10% of third year limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance——-4
    • Add 10% of fourth year limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance——-5

    II. Term loans: Term loan for investments towards land development, minor irrigation, purchase of farm equipment and allied agricultural activities. The banks may fix the quantum of credit for term and working capital limit for agricultural and allied activities, etc., The long-term loan limit is based on the proposed investments during the five-year period and the bank’s perception on the repaying capacity of the farmer

    Maximum Permissible Limit: The short-term loan limit arrived for the 5th year plus the estimated long-term loan requirement will be the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) and treated as the Kisan Credit Card Limit.

    • Total crop loan limit————-I
    • Add Term Loan component——-II
    • Maximum permissible limit/KCC limit = I+II

    (A) Illustration: Marginal farmer raising single crop in a year.

    Assumptions:

    • Land holding: 1 acre
    • Cropping pattern:
    1. Paddy -1 acre (Scale of finance plus crop insurance per acre Rs. 11,000/-)
    2. There is no change in cropping pattern for 5 years
    • Investment /Allied Activities: One non-descriptive Milch Animal (Unit cost: Rs. 15,000/-)

    ILLUSTRATION OF KCC LIMIT

    (Marginal farmer raising single crop in a year)

    Year Crop Loan Component  Amount
    1 Cost of cultivation of 1 acres of Paddy

    Add: 10% towards post harvest/ household expenses/ consumption

    Add 20% towards farm maintenance

    Total Crop Loan Limit for 1st year

    Rs.11000/-

    Rs.1100/-

    Rs.2200/-

    Rs.14300/-

    2 Loan Limit for 2nd year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance (10% of 14300/i.e. Rs. 1430/- )

    Rs.1430/- +

    Rs.15730/-

    3 Loan Limit for 3rd year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation/increase in scale of finance (10% of 15730/-i.e.Rs. 1573 or Rs. 1570/-)

    Rs. 1570/-+

    Rs.17300/-

    4 Loan limit for 4th year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation in scale of finance (10% of 17300/-i.e.Rs. 1730/-

    Rs.1730/-+

    Rs.19030/–

    5 Loan Limit for 5th  year 

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation in scale of finance (10% of 19030/-i.e.Rs. 1903 or Rs. 1900/-)

    Rs.1900/-+

    Rs.19030/- =

    Rs.20930/-

    Say Rs.21000/-  (A)

    ii. Term Loan Component 1st year: cost of 1 Milch animal Rs. 15000/-  (B)
    Maximum Permissible limit / KCC Limit A+B = Rs. 36000/-
    Note Drawing limit will be reduced every year on repayment schedule of term loan(s) availed and withdrawals will be allowed up to the drawing limit.  Application   & documents to be obtained for full limit for 5 years.  Of course, Proposal to be prepared for full limit.

    (B) Illustration: Farmer raising multiple crops in a year.    

    Assumptions:
    • Land holding: 2 acres
    • Cropping pattern:
    1. Paddy-1 acre (scale of finance plus crop insurance per acre: Rs. 11000/-).
    2. Sugarcane- 1 acre (scale of finance plus crop insurance per acre: Rs. 22000/-).
    • Investment /Allied Activities:
    1. Establishment of 1+1 Dairy Unit in 1st year (unit cost: Rs. 20000/- per animal).
    2. Replacement of Pump set in 3rd year (unit Cost: Rs. 30000/-).

    ILLUSTRATION

    (Farmer raising multiple crops in a year)

     

    Year Crop Loan Component  Amount
    1 Cost of cultivation of 1 acre of Paddy and 1 acre of sugarcane ( 11000 + 22000)

    Add: 10% towards post harvest/household expenses/consumption

    Add 20% towards farm maintenance

    Total Crop Loan Limit for 1st year.

    Rs.33000/-

     

    Rs.3300/-

    Rs.6600/-

    Rs.42900/-

    2 Loan Limit for 2nd year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance (10% of Rs. 42900/- i.e. Rs. 4300/-)

    Rs.4300/- +

    Rs.47200/-

    3 Loan Limit for 3rd year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation/increase in scale of finance (10% of Rs. 47200/- i.e. Rs. 4700/-)

    Rs.4700/-+

    Rs.51900/-

    4 Loan limit for 4th year Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation in scale of finance (10% of Rs. 51900/- i.e. Rs. 5200/-) Rs.5200/-+

    Rs.57100/–

    5 Loan Limit for 5th year 

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation in scale of finance (10% of 57100/-i.e.Rs.5700/-)

    Rs.5700/-

    Rs.57100/-

    Rs.62800/-

    Say Rs.63000/-  (A)

    ii. Term Loan Component

    1st year: cost of 1+1 Dairy Unit

    3rd year: Replacement of Pump set

    Rs.40000/-

    Rs.30000/-

    Rs.70000/-  (B)

    Maximum Permissible limit/KCC Limit A+B = Rs. 133000/-
    Note Drawing limit will be reduced every year on repayment schedule of term loan(s) availed and withdrawals will be allowed up to the drawing limit.  Application   & documents to be obtained for full limit for 5 years.  Of course, Proposal to be prepared for full limit.

    (C) Illustration: Other farmer raising multiple crops in a year.        

    Assumptions:
    • Land holding : 10 acres
    • Cropping pattern:
    1. Paddy-5 acres (scale of finance plus crop insurance per acre: Rs. 11000/-)
    2. Followed by groundnut-5 acres (scale of finance plus crop insurance per acre: Rs. 10,000/-).
    3. Sugarcane- 5 acres (scale of finance plus crop insurance per acre: Rs. 22,000/-).
    • Investment /Allied Activities:
    1. Establishment of 2+2 Dairy Unit in 1st year (Unit cost: Rs. 100,000/-).
    2. Purchase of Tractor in 1st year (unit Cost: Rs. 600,000/-).

    ILLUSTRATION OF KCC LIMIT

    (Other farmer raising multiple crops in a year) 

    Year Crop Loan Component  Amount
    1 Cost of cultivation of 5 acres of Paddy, 5 acres of groundnut and 5 acres of sugarcane( 55000 + 50000 + 110000)

    Add: 10% towards post harvest/ household expenses/ consumption

    Add 20% towards farm maintenance

    Total Crop Loan Limit for 1st year

    Rs.215000/-

     

     

    Rs.21500/-

    Rs.43000/-

     

    Rs.279500/-

    2 Loan Limit for 2nd year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost escalation/increase in scale of finance (10% of Rs. 279500/- i.e. Rs.27950/- )

    Rs.27950/- +

    Rs.307450/-

    3 Loan Limit for 3rd year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation/increase in scale of finance (10% of Rs. 307450/- i.e. Rs.30750/-)

    Rs.30750/-+

    Rs.338200/-

    4 Loan limit for 4th year

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation in scale of finance (10% of Rs. 338200/- i.e. Rs.33800/-)

    Rs.33800/-+

    Rs.372000/–

    5 Loan Limit for 5th  year 

    Add: 10% of the limit towards cost of escalation in scale of finance (10% of 372000/-i.e.Rs.37200/-)

    Rs.37200/-+

    Rs.372000/- =

    Rs.409200/-

    Say

    Rs.409000/-  (A)

    ii. Term Loan Component 1st year : cost of 2+2 Dairy Unit

                     Purchase of Tractor

                    Total Term Loan

    Rs.100000/-

    Rs.600000/-

    Rs.700000/-  (B)

    Maximum Permissible limit/KCC Limit A+B = Rs. 11,09,000/-
    Note Drawing limit will be reduced every year on repayment schedule of term loan(s) availed and withdrawals will be allowed up to the drawing limit.  Application   & documents to be obtained for full limit for 5 years.  Of course, Proposal to be prepared for full limit.

     

    ISSUE OF ELECTRONIC KISAN CREDIT CARDS (ATM): ATM card must be issued in all KCC accounts.

    • All new KCC must be issued as smart card cum debit card as laid down in Policy.
    • Further, at the time of renewal of existing KCC, farmers must be issued smart card cum debit card.
    • The short term credit limit and the term loan limit are two distinct components of the aggregate KCC limit bearing different rates of interest and repayment periods.
    • Until a composite card could be issued with appropriate software to separately account transactions in the sub limits, two separate electronic cards may be issued for all new/renewed cards.

    Disbursement: ATM card must be issued in all KCC accounts. The short-term component of the KCC limit is in the nature of revolving cash credit facility. There should be no restriction in number of debits and credits. However, each installment of the drawable limit drawn in a particular year will have to be repaid within 12 months. The drawing limit for the current season/year could be allowed to be drawn using any of the following delivery channels.

    1. Operations through branch;
    2. Operations using Cheque facility;
    3. Withdrawal through ATM / Debit cards;
    4. Operations through Business Correspondents and ultra-small branches;
    5. Operation through PoS available in Sugar Mills/ Contract farming companies, etc., especially for tie-up advances;
    6. Operations through PoS available with input dealers;
    7. Mobile based transfer transactions at agricultural input dealers and mandies.

    Note: (5), (6) & (7) to be introduced as early as possible so as to reduce transaction costs of both the bank as well as the farmer.

    Rate of Interest (ROI): Rate of Interest will be linked to MCLR/RBLR and is left to the discretion of the banks.

    Interest Subvention: Interest Subvention of 2% p.a. will be available to banks on the KCC Scheme. As per RBI communication Ref No. RPCD:FSD:BC:71/05.04.02/2013-14 dated 04/12/2013 for computation of Interest subvention on KCC limit, only following activities are considered.

    1. Short term credit requirements for cultivation of crops
    2. Post-harvest expenses

    Additional Interest subvention @3% will be available to the prompt paying farmers from the date of disbursement of crop loan to the actual date of repayment by farmers or up to date fixed by bank for repayment of crop loan whichever is earlier.

    Repayment Period: Each withdrawal under the short term sub-limit as estimated under (1) to (5) of above para, be allowed to be liquidated in 12 months without the need to bring the debit balance in the account to zero at any point of time. No withdrawal in the account should remain outstanding for more than 12 months.

    The term loan component will be normally repayable within a period of 5 to 9 years depending on the type of activity / investment as per the existing guidelines applicable for investment credit.

    Margin for Crop Loan: No separate margin insisted as the margin is in built while fixing of Scale of Finance by District Level Technical Committee (DLTC).

    Margin for Term Loan: Up to Rs. 1.60 lac:- NIL,

    for limit more than Rs. 1.60 lac:- 15 -25 %.

    Security: Security requirement may be as under:

    Hypothecation of crops up to card limit of Rs. 1.60 lakh as per the extant RBI guidelines.

    With tie-up for recovery: Banks may consider sanctioning loans on hypothecation of crops upto card limit of Rs.3.00 lakh without insisting on collateral security.

    • Collateral security may be obtained at the discretion of Bank for loan limits above Rs.1.60 lakh in case of non tie-up and above Rs.3.00 lakh in case of tie-up advances.
    • In States where banks have the facility of on-line creation of charge on the land records, the same shall be ensured.

    Other features: Other Features in the KCC uniformity to be adopted in respect of following:

    1. Interest Subvention/Incentive for prompt repayment as advised by Government of India and / or State Governments. The bankers will make the farmers aware of this facility;
    2. The KCC holder should have the option to take benefit of Crop Insurance, Assets Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS), and Health Insurance (wherever product is available and have premium paid through his KCC account);
    3. One-time documentation at the time of first availment and thereafter simple declaration (about crops raised / proposed) by farmer from the second year onwards;
    4. KCC short term limit fetch interest for credit balance at SB interest rate.

    Selected activities under Agricultural Finance: Besides the KCC Scheme, banks financed to all the purpose of direct and indirect agriculture and allied activities. RBI and NABARD design most of the agriculture loan schemes and monitoring the implementation. 

    For details you may visit RBI website for Master Circular on KCC:

    https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/BS_ViewMasCirculardetails.aspx?id=11034