Start-ups to get priority sector tag as RBI revises lending norms

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is revising the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms to enable higher lending to start-ups and renewable energy firms, as well as to correct regional disparities.

It intends to align them with emerging national priorities and bring a sharper focus to inclusive development. The revised guidelines also aim to encourage and support environment-friendly lending policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the RBI said in a statement.

Detailed guidelines in this regard will be issued shortly. PSL guidelines were last reviewed in April 2015.

An incentive framework has been established to help banks address regional disparities, with respect