Non-performing asset or npa in india has been a pain in the neck for quite some time. While every sector is getting affected by this problem, the public trust in Indian banks has been shaken due to many failures.
The majority of these failures were contributed by misgovernance and corruption. It is needless to say that this impending catastrophe will put the economy under stress.
All these things keep the banking industry under a constant spotlight, but because of unflattering reasons. The risk has been aggravated by COVID-19 as several companies lost their businesses and failed to pay the loan installments. The government-mandated moratorium on interest payment and state-guaranteed loans put the system under tremendous threat.
It is not a crisis that has been ignored
The problem of NPA or npa management has not erupted overnight. Neither it is a problem that was not known. On the other hand, it was a known issue.
However, due to the improper policies and lack of ordinance, the problem became worst. It is estimated that the magnitude of NPA in the banking sector only will rise further.
It may go up to 11 percent of gross loans in the coming 12 to 18 months. It is estimated by global ratings recently. The financial institutions will face great difficulty in keeping the momentum under control. It is because the proportion of NPL (Non-performing loans) versus total loans disbursed has shown a great decline this year.
Moreover, there is a difficulty in identifying the real problem arising from the COVID-19 outbreak and others. Financial institutions have performed better than expected in the second quarter of the last financial year.
It increased the npa account settlement cases.
Six-month loan moratorium and the decision is given by the Supreme Court ruling barring from classifying borrowers as NPA were the reasons behind this situation.
All of these things will result in an increase in gross loans in the coming one to one-and-half years. From the current 8 percent levels, it will go to 10-11 percent.
There is an impact on the credit cost of the banking system as well. Experts fear it will go up to 3 percent this year and next year. The stress on banks for NPA will have to be reduced by taking special measures. Let’s understand the ways to limit it.
What can limit stress?
To limit the stress, a holistic approach will be required. The following three measures can be taken: • Government credit guarantee for businesses of small and medium magnitude • Resumption of economic activity • Resilient liquidity
Even if rigorous efforts are made by implementing npa loan takeover or other steps, it will take at least the fiscal year 2023 to materially recover the financial strength. Around three to eight percent of loans may get restructuring. Banks have built reserves and making extra provision for COVID. Like banks, collections have increased. It will benefit banks and reduce in risk premium. Such polarization will persist in the next one or one and a half years.