November 6, 2002

All Scheduled Commercial Banks
(excluding RRBs and LABs)

Dear Sir,

Please refer to our circular DBOD.No. BP.BC. 80/21.04.117/2001-02 dated March 22, 2002 setting out guidelines for special One Time Settlement Scheme for loans up to Rs.50, 000 to small and marginal farmers by public sector banks. In terms of paragraph 2(i) (d) thereof, the guidelines will be operative only up to December 31, 2002.

2. The Government and the Reserve Bank of India have received requests from banks for extending the operation of the guidelines. In view of the above and keeping in view the drought/flood situation in different parts of the country, it has been decided, in consultation with the Government of India, to extend the operation of the guidelines, for a further period of 3 months, i.e., up to March 31, 2003.

3. Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(B.Mahapatra)
General Manager