SBI eyes 15 pc growth in credit offtake

Country's largest bank SBI today said it expects 14 to 15 per cent growth in credit off-take during the current financial year even as economic indicators are improving, said a top official of the bank today.
"There has not been much momentum in big projects. It will take some more time because the economy green shoots have just started. GDP numbers and other IIP numbers started to improve. So it will take at least three of four quarters (for improvement in large projects).
"Retail lending will grow fast. In 2014-15 I cannot see more than 14 to 15 per cent (credit growth) for SBI," Sriram told reporters on the sidelines of a programme.

Replying to query, on the loan waiver schemes announced by the Governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh separately, the banker said they need to study the orders issued by both the governments on the modalities of the scheme.
"We will wait for another week or so to find out the detailed terms mentioned in the GO and then we will work towards an amicable settlement for all. We will have to accept what has happened and move forward," Sriram said.
In a setback to both the governments, RBI recently refused to reschedule farm loans in the states. After a lot of persuasion, the apex bank gave its nod for partly rescheduling farm loans in specified areas.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have recently issued GOs for identifying the beneficiaries of the loan waiver scheme.
He refused to comment on Vijay Mallya being declared as a 'wilful defaulter' saying he 'does not deal with that account'.