Government vs RBI: The battle of Mint street

The central bank’s board will meet today to discuss close to dozen issues raised by the government. ET explains:

Liquidity For NBFCs
Govt view: NBFCs have stopped lending. SMEs and real estate hit hard. Retail NBFCs alone would need about Rs 4 lakh crore to fund their business in FY’19.
RBI view: There is no systemic liquidity issue.


RBI’s Reserves
Govt View: RBI has more than required reserves. They are at 26 per cent of total assets compared with the global mean of 16 per cent.
RBI View: Needs a strong balance sheet to function effectively.

PCA Banks
Govt view: Relaxation in PCA banks so that they can start lending.
RBI view: May seek capitalisation before making any concessions.

MSME Credit
Govt view: MSMEs not getting adequate credit. Credit to MSMEs contracted 1.4 per cent in September 1. Seeks lower risk weight for MSME lending 2. Some mechanism to restructure stressed MSME loans.
RBI View: Banks should decide, based on their risk appetite.

NPA Rules
Govt view: Relaxation in the bank treatment of NPAs to the power sector.
RBI view: May seek rationale for sector-specific dispensation Possible outcome: A committee may be set up to review RBI’s reserves needs.