Apart from significantly improving the stability of the financial system, banking sector reforms in India since 1991 have supported the transition of the Indian economy to a higher growth path. In comparison to the pre-reforms period, the Indian banking system today is more stable and efficient. However, these gains need to be consolidated into a mature financial system to meet the challenges of financial globalization.

Many new processes, products and services offered by banks and other financial intermediaries are now IT-centred. Banks have traditionally been at the forefront of harnessing technology to improve their products, services and efficiency. They have, over a long period of time, been using electronic and telecommunication networks for delivering a wide range of value added products and services.

In spite of the technological advances made by the banking system, it is afflicted by a slew of formidable problems, the chief being the accumulation of non-performing assets (NPAs). India’s financial system and economic stability are facing a serious threat due to continuous one-way movement of the NPAs.

The enactment of Securitisation, Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 was an important landmark in the ongoing reforms in the financial sector. The Act enables the setting up of asset management companies, addressing the problem of NPAs of banks and financial institutions and enhancing rights of the creditors.

This book provides a vivid account of the banking sector reforms in India since 1991. More importantly, it analyzes the various aspects of the problem of NPAs of banks with the help of data/information available in public domain.