PSBs sanctioned loans worth Rs 6.45 trn in lockdown between Mar 1-May 15

State-owned banks launched an emergency credit line to provide funds to its existing MSME and corporate borrowers in the last week of March

State-owned banks have sanctioned about Rs 6.45 trillion worth loans to various sectors including Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), agriculture and retail between March 1 and May 15 when businesses were reeling under the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

Loans sanctioned at the end of May 8 stood at Rs 5.95 trillion.

"Loans worth over Rs 6.45 trillion were sanctioned by PSBs during March 1 May 15 for 54.96 lakh accounts from MSME, Retail, Agriculture & Corporate sectors; A notable increase compared to the Rs 5.95 trillion sanctioned as of May 8," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a