Apropos Debashis Basu’s column “A chowkidar for state banks”(Irrational Choice, October 20), I agree with the writer’s view that the level of non-performing assets (NPAs) is comparatively high in public sector undertaking (PSU) banks, compared to their private sector counterparts. Whipping the PSU bankers alone for these huge NPAs shows a partisan approach. PSU bankers get regularly punched by the regulator, finance ministry, clientele, analysts and the press. The critics are conveniently forgetting the phenomenal growth in the important areas of agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises, large businesses and so on after the nationalisation of banks. The role played by PSU banks is substantial.
The officers and staff in these banks have made noteworthy sacrifices to help banking reach the remotest corners of the country. It is deplorable that some people are casting aspirations on the competence and integrity of PSU bankers — citing instances of the questionable practices of a few among them. The real malice lies within the current political system, lack of functional autonomy of PSU banks and protracted legal procedures.
Ravindran Menon, Pune
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