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PNB plans vertical to recover stressed assets
By Rohit Vaid
New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Faced with a multi-billion dollar fraud, along with the problem of non-performing assets (NPAs), state-run lending major Punjab National Bank (PNB) has decided to form a separate “vertical to deal with its stressed assets”.
According to sources, the move is expected to aide the lender in effectively dealing with NPAs and increase possible recoveries.
The move being initiated on a pilot basis is a first for state-run banks, said a PNB source. The vertical will solely focus on stressed assets and recovery of NPAs, according to the source.
This will be tried out as a pilot beafore a roll out nationally in next six months, the source said.
Another move that the lending major plans to set up “separate pre-sanction appraisal and post sanction monitoring teams” for credit disbursal.
This measure, the source said, will ensure better governance and transparency.
“A new monitoring group will be set up to keep track of whether cash flow from projects is being used to repay bank loans and that there are no slippages,” the source said.
The new initiatives are part of the bank’s overall strategy — Mission Parivartan — which has commenced to tighten checks and balances in the system, including “strengthening internal control mechanisms”.
The strategy among other initiatives envisions the lender to form an independent think-tank to provide both directional and policy inputs to its management.
The lending major is also actively looking to leverage benefits of emerging technology including AI (artificial intelligence) and analytics both from a greater control over the audit process.
On March 16, the public sector bank’s top management during its Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) reassured its shareholders, customers, partners and employees on the bank’s capability and capacity to overcome the recent fraud it has faced.
The bank also outlined a multi-pronged agenda to tighten checks and balances in the system, including “strengthening internal control mechanisms”, “extensive outreach to customers, investors and other stakeholders”, “focus on Current and Savings Account (CASA)” and “thrust on recovery of bad debts”.
(Rohit Vaid can be contacted at [email protected])
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.