BUDGET WATCH: SITHARAMAN EXPECTED TO TACKLE BANKING AND INSURANCE REFORMS

During the Budget 2021-22, Sitharaman announced PSB privatisation plans, but IDBI Bank's disinvestment remains ongoing, with no immediate further announcements expected despite the government's earlier intentions.

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As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her seventh consecutive Budget later this month, significant attention will be on how she addresses crucial issues related to the banking and insurance sectors.

During the Budget 2021-22, Sitharaman had announced the privatisation of some public sector banks (PSBs) as part of a disinvestment drive aimed at raising Rs 1.75 trillion. Despite these intentions, the disinvestment process of IDBI Bank remains ongoing. Financial market observers are keenly watching to see if the upcoming Budget FY25 will include announcements about further equity dilution in PSBs to meet the 25 percent public shareholding norms set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Sitharaman had stated that, in addition to IDBI Bank, the government would privatise two other PSBs and one general insurance firm in 202122. However, experts do not anticipate any immediate announcements regarding these plans. India currently has 12 state-owned banks that collectively manage approximately 60 percent of the total assets within the banking system.