Mounting Bad Loans : Indian Banks

The letter arrived along with hundreds of pages of demand for settlement of business loan against our firm. For small men this is a nerve wrecking event well not only banks loans from any source also is. The worst is money borrowed from private players who charge exorbitant interest and can thug whenever needed especially in case of default.   

Though we cleared money the form owed to the Government many are not so fortunate. The banks are empowered through DRT to recover money through assets owned by the firm or else personal assets. But in spite of stringent laws the amount of  NPAs (Non Performing Assets) are staggering. 

A very massive number of default cases are pending in DRT pertaining to thousands of crores of Rupees. A very large number of cases will never see the end of the day for a meaningful recovery.    

Why does this happening? 

Well I am not a financial wizard hence the question is aimed at the Gurus. But even for the common man can figure out...

Corrupt practices used while disbursing loans.  

Improper assessments of securities.  

The lure of the lucre in case of eager financial institution.

Political proclivity in case of major players. 

Did something like this happen in case of Mallya? Will we know? 

Why are their no secure assets in place with the lending banks?

Hope the riddle is solved on some points. This is public money those responsible for lacunae should be brought to justice and timely.  

Why the cards?

Be it national governance, departmental practice, personal finance, or even a supermarket the cards shone.  It is the card age right away especially in India. In case of subversive activities happening new and then photo identity proof help ward of the evil.

It all started with the diving license whence it turned into a portable card. Earlier it was a cumbersome practice of carrying the A4 size form that was often bound to a hard cover which could be folded for comfort. Like other instruments that came in later the driving license was introduced to certify you driving ability and to prevent road misuse.  Your name and particulars where in record and so was your identity.

The laminated card made all the difference perhaps it encouraged people to get one and be safe.But this card had no use in business or personal finance matters.  

Among these smart cards debit and credit cards issued by financial institutions such as bank became most popular. These transformed the way we manage our personal finance and even small business.  These instruments have accorded tremendous flexibility and movement. You need not carry loads of money any more in your pocket or bag and eventually get mugged.   A swish at the ATM and you get the moolah you require.   

The Ration card is also popular among those below the poverty line but it also acted like a fantastic address and photo identity proof which worked on many difficult instances. Along with your mark sheet which acted as proof of birth the ration card acted as photo and address identity for availing passport, electric connection etc.

The voter identity card also facilitated fair play in case of elections big or small. This also played a valuable role in its use as photo identity and address proof. But than those eligible for voting could avail this card. Hence still did not have an all purpose card that could be applied for by one and all.   

Project Aadhar by UIDAI recently launched as UID Card benefits those recipients beneficiary of Government based schemes and privileges. The card uses biometrics as means of identification and hence is fool proof. This instrument is an all purpose card very useful for photo identification.             

The permanent account number (PAN) in India was one of the major steps taken to create greater accountability regards taxation and financial transaction. Initially there was a great hesitation regarding this popular instrument in the country. Introduced by the ever vigilant Department of Taxation the usage brought into the net many tax payers who did not. There came a greater curb in illegal transactions and wrong banking practices. The mandatory subscription for opening bank account of purchasing properties etc brought in more people. In India, even the NRI require the pan card number for conducting financial transactions and property purchase. There are no disadvantages of this laminated card as people believe. 

Unlike credit and debit cards PAN and UID cards can be applied for online. The application forms can be downloaded with ease and submitted. Some formalities could be manual but nevertheless less bothersome.