What changed
RBI deleted paragraphs 57(4) and 80(6) from the IRAC Directions, and inserted new paragraphs 62A, 62B, and 84A-84D. These changes allow standard accounts under a resolution plan to retain their classification, and NPAs to be upgraded upon plan implementation. New additional specific provisioning of 5% is mandated for such resolution plans, with specific write-back rules.
What it means for you
Banks can now offer resolution plans without forcing an automatic NPA downgrade for standard accounts, and can upgrade NPAs that were restructured due to a calamity. However, the 5% additional provisioning will hit profitability, especially for repeated restructurings. The write-back conditions are strict—requiring 20% repayment or one-year clean track record for non-fund/cash credit facilities.
What you must do
- Update internal IRAC policies to reflect deletion of paras 57(4) and 80(6) and insertion of new paras 62A, 62B, and 84A-84D.
- Train credit and risk teams on the new asset classification rules for resolution plans under Chapter VI-A of the Stressed Assets Directions.
- Set up a tracking mechanism for additional specific provisioning of 5% on all resolution plans implemented under Chapter VI-A.
- Monitor borrower repayment and default status to ensure timely write-back of additional provisions under the prescribed conditions.
- Review existing resolution plan portfolios to identify accounts that may need reclassification or additional provisioning.
Who it affects
All commercial banks in India, Credit and risk management teams, Loan recovery and restructuring departments, Borrowers with stressed assets under resolution plans
When can the additional specific provision be written back?
The provision can be written back if the borrower pays at least 20% of the outstanding debt without slipping into NPA post-restructuring and without being subjected to another restructuring. For non-fund or cash credit facilities, it can be reversed after one year post-restructuring, provided the borrower was not in default at any point during that period; if default occurs, conditions are tested from the date of rectification.