How is the Finance Ministry Expediting Debt Recovery?

Synopsis
Join the Finance Ministry's push to streamline debt recovery efforts! The Department of Financial Services is working diligently with banks and tribunals to release capital tied up in pending cases, ensuring a more robust economic landscape. Discover the latest initiatives launched to create an efficient recovery ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- DFS emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders.
- Focus on reducing debt case backlog.
- Introduction of revised DRT Regulations 2024.
- Launch of 'Baanknet' e-auction portal for property sales.
- Use of alternative dispute resolution for faster case handling.
New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) The Department of Financial Services (DFS), operating under the Ministry of Finance, has called upon all parties involved to join forces in diminishing the backlog of debt cases by creating a more effective recovery environment.
This initiative aims to enable the reallocation of capital that is currently tied up in cases pending before the Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs), allowing it to be utilized productively within the economy.
To further this objective, the DFS convened a meeting of the chairpersons of Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) and the Presiding Officers of DRTs in the capital city.
Supreme Court Justice SVN Bhatti provided the keynote speech. Attendees included senior officials from the DFS, as well as representatives from various public and private sector banks, and the Indian Banks’ Association, as reported by the Ministry of Finance.
The DFS Secretary emphasized several key initiatives undertaken by the department, including the implementation of revised DRT regulations, mandatory e-filing, virtual hearings, and hybrid sessions, all aimed at reducing the turnaround time for matters addressed by the tribunals.
The meeting included discussions on a broad range of topics to improve the efficiency of DRTs.
Key discussion points focused on the effective enforcement of DRT Regulations 2024, strengthening monitoring and oversight by banks to enhance recovery through DRTs, prioritizing high-value cases for optimal recovery, employing alternative dispute resolution methods such as Lok Adalats for faster case resolution, extensive training for Presiding Officers and other DRT officials, and introducing additional reforms to minimize turnaround times in DRT processes.
Earlier this year, the Finance Ministry unveiled the revamped 'Baanknet' e-auction portal, which consolidates information regarding properties up for sale by all public sector banks, serving as a comprehensive platform for buyers and investors to explore a variety of assets.
The listings feature residential properties, including flats, independent houses, and open plots, in addition to commercial properties, industrial land and buildings, shops, vehicles, machinery, and both agricultural and non-agricultural land.
By centralizing property information, the upgraded portal streamlines the process for locating and participating in property e-auctions, making it simpler for buyers and investors to uncover valuable opportunities.