High Level Committee Formed to Modernize Indian Banking Sector

High Level Committee Formed to Modernize Indian Banking Sector

#GS-3 #Economy #Banking #Rapid Fire CA #Quick Facts For Prelims #Banking Sector & NBFCs

Key takeaways

  • The central government set up a new expert panel chaired by Suresh N. Patel to modernize the nation's financial system for Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • The panel has a 6-month deadline to submit actionable reform ideas across banking laws, technology, and operations.
  • Key goals include updating legacy frameworks like Priority Sector Lending, integrating Artificial Intelligence, and strengthening cyber security.
  • The committee will assess capital requirements for Development Financial Institutions and Non-Banking Financial Companies to boost private investment.

Why in News

  • The Indian government set up a new high level panel following the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement.
  • This panel will study the financial system to help build a strong foundation for Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • It will suggest big changes to laws, regulations, and institutions to make Indian banks globally competitive, secure, and accessible to everyone.

Leadership and Tenure

  • Former Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N. Patel leads this expert committee as its chairman.
  • The panel must complete its study and present its final suggestions within 6 months.

Committee Members

  • The team includes Shirish Chandra Murmu, who is currently a Deputy Governor at the Reserve Bank of India.
  • Former Indian Bank head Padmaja Chunduru brings her leadership experience as a member.
  • Former Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor N. S. Vishwanathan also serves on the panel.
  • The Joint Secretary for Banking from the Department of Financial Services acts as the member secretary.

Terms of Reference of the Committee

  • The panel will check current rules for regular banks, Regional Rural Banks, and Cooperative Banks to simplify everyday operations.
  • It will study future money needs for banks, Development Financial Institutions, and Non-Banking Financial Companies to lower borrowing costs.
  • The group plans to update old programs like Priority Sector Lending and the Lead Bank Scheme using modern data tools.
  • It will create plans to adopt Artificial Intelligence safely while protecting customers from online bank fraud.
  • Members will study global banking rules to upgrade Indian standards and train banking staff for future challenges.