PSB unions call for watchdog

In view of the recent housing loan bribery scam involving top officials from public sector banks (PSBs) and LIC Housing Finance, bank unions have sought the setting up of an independent audit commission for banks. All-India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), the largest union of bank staff, has demanded that the government constitute an audit commission similar to the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) so that greater transparency can be ensured.

Another demand of the staff union is doing away with the methodology by which the central auditor for a PSB is selected. “Previously, Reserve Bank of India appointed the central auditors for the banks to audit their annual accounts,” said Venkatachalam. “Now (for over a year) the PSBs select a panel of auditors and RBI selects one out of it. Since banks can influence an auditor of its choice, we’ve demanded revoking the system”.  Since PSBs are custodians of R35 lakh crore in deposits, they should be accountable to the nation for all their financial activities, the union claimed.

RBI may allow lower provision cover ratio during downturn

The Reserve Bank of India is working on a comprehensive policy that will allow banks to bring down the provision coverage ratio during downturn. However, this will have to be done in a phased manner, said Mr Anand Sinha, Executive Director, RBI.  The RBI had asked banks, in October 2009, to maintain a provision coverage ratio of 70 per cent. “We asked banks to maintain a provision coverage ratio of 70 per cent as part of the build-up phase. It has perhaps been causing some kind of discomfort. It is not meant to be kept at that level. There will be a release phase, which we are working on. We will come out with a comprehensive policy under which banks may be allowed to use the provisions made under certain conditions,” said Mr Sinha, while addressing Bancon 2010.

SEBI Chief may get extension

The government is likely to ask C B Bhave to continue as SEBI chairman. Sources said the Prime Minister's Office recently asked the Cabinet Secretariat why Bhave's term should not be extended. THE government is likely to ask C B Bhave to continue as the capital market regulator. Bhave's term expires in February 2011 and a search committee was set up in September -almost six months in advance -to find the next chairman for the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).  A meeting of the search committee that was scheduled to meet on Friday to interview about a dozen shortlisted candidates was cancelled just a day before. A new date for the meeting is yet to be finalised, the sources said.  When asked if the government asked him to continue, Bhave refused to comment.