Manipur Invokes RBI’s Riot Provisions | 24 Jun 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the Manipur government has invoked the Riot Provision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in response to a Grave Situation in the State marked by riots and violence.

• The order acknowledged the borrowers' inability to repay loans due to the crisis and sought relief measures for the affected individuals.
• While typically applied in areas affected by natural calamities, this move marks the first instance of its utilization in response to a law-and-order situation.

What are the Provisions?

• RBI Directions 2018:
  • The Provisions are as per Chapter No. 7 of the "Reserve Bank of India (Relief Measures by Banks in Areas Affected by Natural Calamities) Directions, 2018."
    • Whenever RBI advises the banks to extend rehabilitation assistance to the riot/disturbance affected persons, the aforesaid guidelines may broadly be followed by banks for the purpose.
  • The Provisions specifically addresses "Riots and Disturbances".
  • The rules specify several norms that must be followed for Restructuring the Loans, providing fresh loans and other measures, including KYC norms.
  • According to the directions, all the short-term loans, except those overdue at the time of the occurrence of riots, will be eligible for restructuring.
• Applicability:
  • The provisions of these Directions shall apply to every Scheduled Commercial Bank (including Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and excluding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) licensed to operate in India by RBI.
• Crop Loans:
  • In the case of crop loans, if the loss ranges between 33% and 50%, borrowers are eligible for a maximum repayment period of two years. If the crop loss exceeds 50%, the repayment period can be extended up to a maximum of five years.
  • Additionally, all restructured loan accounts will have a moratorium period of at least one year.
• Long Term Agri Loan:
  • If the crop is damaged without harm to productive assets, banks can reschedule installment payments for the affected year and extend the loan period by one year.
  • Additionally, banks have the option to postpone interest payments by borrowers. However, if productive assets are also damaged, a new loan may be required.
• Fresh loans:
  • Banks will evaluate borrowers' credit needs, follow loan approval procedures, and may offer collateral-free consumption loans up to Rs 10,000 to existing borrowers without personal guarantees, even if the value of assets is lower than the loan amount.
• Relaxation in KYC Norms:
  • For the people who have lost their documents due to the calamity of riots, the banks need to open new accounts for such people.
  • This will be applicable where the balance in the account does not exceed Rs 50,000. The total credit in the account should not exceed Rs 1,00,000.

Source: TH