Dena Bank gets board approval to dilute government stake

Public sector lender Dena Bank has got board approval for dilution of government holding to up to 52 per cent and raise capital up to Rs 2,500 crore from various bonds.

"To raise equity capital of the Bank by diluting GOI holding up to 52 per cent, on obtaining necessary approval government," the bank said in a BSE filing.

Government shareholding in the bank was 65 per cent at the end of September 30.

Last year, the government allowed public sector banks to to bring down its stake to 52 per cent so as to meet capital requirement.

As per law, government holding at any moment must not come below 51 per cent to maintain the public sector character of the state-owned banks.

The bank said it has got board approval to raise Additional Tier-1 (AT1) capital up to an amount of Rs 1,500 crore in one or more tranche, in one or more instruments.

It further added that the bank has got board approval to raise Tier 2 capital up to an amount of Rs 1,000 crore in one or more tranche, in one or more instruments.

Shares of the bank closed down 0.80 per cent at Rs 43.45 on the BSE.



Source : Economics Times

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SBT launches ‘affordable housing loan’ scheme

State Bank of Travancore (SBT) has launched a ‘Housing for All (Urban): Mission 2022’ to provide affordable housing to families belonging to the economically weaker sections/low-income groups in the urban centres.

The scheme upholds the spirit of the ‘Swachh Bharath Mission’ by insisting on a toilet for every house that is built, a spokesman for the bank said here.

The loan can be accessed in all statutory towns of India as per the Census of 2011, the spokesman added.

As part of the scheme, loans will be advanced in line with the Centre’s target of providing ‘pucca’ residential houses for all urban Indian families by the year 2022.

The loans will be available for beneficiaries in two segments, viz. (i) those with a household annual income of up to Rs. 3 lakh under the economically weaker sections and (ii) those with a household annual income between Rs. 3,00,001 and Rs. 6 lakh under the low-income group.

The beneficiaries will be eligible for an interest subsidy of 6.50 per cent provided by the Centre, the spokesman added.

Simple documentation and relaxed norms makes access easy. The scheme is expected to improve the overall ratings on the standard of living and health conditions of the targeted group of citizens.


Source : Thehindubusinessline

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Bank officers serve notice for strike on Dec 11

The All-India Bank Officers’ Confederation (Aiboc) has given a call for a nationwide strike on December 11 in support of its various demands.

The notice of strike has been served by mail to all concerned, says Harvinder Singh, general secretary, Aiboc.

The one-day strike will be preceded by other types of protests including wearing of black badges while on duty on December 2; demonstrations at the headquarters of all banks on December 4; and mass demonstrations at major centres and state capitals on December 7.

PENDING ISSUES

Singh recalled that the Joint Note for the 1oth bipartite settlement was signed on May 25 but many issues were left pending on the assurance of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) that action would be taken without delay.

Among these are issues pertaining to retirees covered in the record cote; disciplinary matters; calling officers for work on Sundays/holidays; and anomaly in stagnation increments.

Singh said even settled issues of medical aid and reimbursement of medical expenses for retired employees through insurance, have not been implemented.

Despite the lapse of six months and our several reminders, no steps have been taken by the IBA to resolve them.

There is no move either to start negotiations or restart discussions, Singh said. The IBA has not extended even the normal courtesy of acknowledging Aiboc communications.

NAYAK COMMITTEE

These apart, the Centre is announcing and implementing policies based on the recommendations of PJ Nayak Committee to dilute stake in public sector banks; privatise them through denial of capital; put up a Banking Bureau Board; deliberately delay appointment of officer-directors on boards; pick private entrepreneurs as MDs and chairmen in Banks; and permit FDI.

But it has not cared to move decidedly to recover debts from wilful defaulters even as more leeway is being provided to them via asset reconstruction companies and strategic debt restructuring.

Singh also alluded to non-implementation of the understanding between Dhanlaxmi Bank Officers’ Organisation and the management reached in the presence of the Kerala Home Minister and trade union leaders.

In view of these, the executive committee of Aiboc felt that any delay in deciding on direct action will harm the interests of public sector banks and the job security of employees.

Also, there is a need for a re-look at the 10th bipartite settlement in view of the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission and salary settlement of LIC employees.


Source : Thehindubusinessline

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