Priority sector lending (PSL) in India is a regulatory mechanism implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure that certain sectors of the economy receive adequate credit and financial support. The primary objective of PSL is to promote inclusive growth, reduce regional imbalances, and support marginalized sections of society.
The RBI has identified several priority sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, export credit, education, housing, social infrastructure, renewable energy, and more, based on their social and economic significance.
Allocating Funds to Priority Sectors:
Under the PSL guidelines, banks and financial institutions are mandated to allocate a specific percentage of their total lending to these priority sectors. For domestic commercial and foreign banks with 20 branches and above, the current PSL target is set at 40% of their total adjusted net bank credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBE). Regional rural banks and small finance banks have a higher PSL target of 75% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher.
Meeting PSL Obligations:
Banks can fulfill their PSL obligations by extending loans, providing credit facilities, and offering financial products and services to individuals, entities, and enterprises in the priority sectors. They can also meet their targets through investments in eligible instruments such as bonds issued by entities engaged in priority sector activities. Failure to meet PSL targets may result in banks depositing the allocated amount into funds established with organizations like NABARD, SIDBI, Mudra, or the National Housing Bank.
Focus on MSMEs:
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) hold a significant position within the priority sectors. Banks are required to allocate a portion of their PSL target to invest in micro-enterprises, fostering growth and development in this sector. The government's Udyam registration platform has been introduced to facilitate the registration of MSMEs, allowing them to access credit under PSL through various government initiatives and banking channels.
Recent Developments:
In July 2021, the government expanded the scope of MSMEs to include retail and wholesale trades, aiming to benefit 2.5 crore traders under the PSL framework. The latest data from RBI highlights the significant deployment of bank credit under PSL in the MSME sector, with a substantial portion allocated to micro and small enterprises.
Conclusion:
Priority sector lending plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, reducing regional disparities, and supporting marginalized sections of society in India. By ensuring adequate credit flow to priority sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, education, and housing, PSL contributes to the overall economic development of the nation. It remains an essential regulatory framework that aims to create a more inclusive and equitable financial system.
Reference : https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/sme/msme-fin-explained-what-is-priority-sector-lending-by-banks-and-how-it-benefits-msmes/3154004/