India’s state-owned lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) is planning to seek INR54.31bn ($747.71m) capital infusion from the government.

In a statement to the stock exchange, the bank said that it plans to procure the infusion by way of preferential issue of equity shares.

The PBI Board of Directors is scheduled to meet today to fix a date of Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) to obtain shareholders’ approval for the same.

The announcement comes within a day after the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that the government will consider capital support to the banks.

One of the largest banking units in the country, PNB was hit by a major banking fraud of more than $1.77bn earlier this year significantly upsetting its financial robustness.

After a review meeting with the state-owned banks held earlier this week, Jaitley said:: “Some of them did mention that the PCA (prompt corrective action) guidelines should be revisited because that is indirectly impacting their lending ability and that government should be more upfront in the capital requirement of some of these banks.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

He assured that the government will look into the subject immediately.

In July, the government approved capital infusion of around INR113.36bn ($1.65bn) into five state-owned banks to help them fulfil regulatory requirements.

Besides fraud affected PNB, Corporation Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Allahabad Bank and Andhra Bank will also receive the support.