Finance Ministry On Tuesday, a review meeting was held with state-run banks and directed them to focus on taking forward credit growth. The meeting, chaired by Financial Services Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, also took stock of the lenders’ plans to reduce non-performing assets.

A senior official aware of the development said on the condition of anonymity, “The performance of banks on the metrics decided under the Enhanced Access and Service Excellence or EZNext reforms was also reviewed. “Lenders under EZNext will focus on digital lending, and integrated and inclusive banking, with an emphasis on supporting small businesses and agriculture.”

The executive said the banks also updated the ministry on their positions on whether the accounts were transferred to a bad bank or National Asset Reconstruction Company of India Ltd. Having said that the government is willing that the unit should start its operations.

The executive said the banks outlined the proposed three-year roadmap for their business strategy and the steps taken for greater collaboration, adding that the government wants large banks to share their best practices with smaller lenders and guide them. Areas in which they need more expertise.