National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Bill, 2021

Introduction

• The Bill seeks to establish the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) as the principal Development Financial Institution (DFIs) for infrastructure financing.
• It was announced in the Budget 2021.

About NBFID:

• NBFID will be set up as a corporate body with an authorised share capital of one lakh crore rupees.

Objectives of NBFID:

• To directly or indirectly lend, invest, or attract investments for infrastructure projects located entirely or partly in India.
• Includes facilitating the development of the market for bonds, loans, and derivatives for infrastructure financing.

Functions of NBFID:

• Extending loans and advances for infrastructure projects.
• Taking over or refinancing such existing loans.
• Attracting investment from private sector investors and institutional investors for infrastructure projects.
• Organising and facilitating foreign participation in infrastructure projects.
• Facilitating negotiations with various government authorities for dispute resolution in the field of infrastructure financing.
• Providing consultancy services in infrastructure financing.

Funds for NBFID:

• It may raise money in the form of loans or otherwise both in Indian rupees and foreign currencies, or secure money by the issue and sale of various financial instruments including bonds and debentures.
• It may borrow money from the central government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), scheduled commercial banks, mutual funds, and multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
• Initially, the central government will own 100% shares of the institution which may subsequently be reduced up to 26%.

The management structure of NBFID:

• NBFID will be governed by a Board of Directors.
  • The Chairperson will be appointed by the central government in consultation with RBI.
• A body constituted by the central government will recommend candidates for the post of Managing Director and Deputy Managing Directors.
• The Board will appoint independent directors based on the recommendation of an internal committee.

Role of Central Government:

• The central government will provide grants worth Rs. 5,000 crores to NBFID by the end of the first financial year.
• The government will also provide a guarantee at a concessional rate of up to 0.1% for borrowing from multilateral institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and other foreign funds.
• Costs towards insulation from fluctuations in foreign exchange (in connection with borrowing in foreign currency) may be reimbursed by the government in part or full.
• Upon request by NBFID, the government may guarantee the bonds, debentures, and loans issued by NBFID.

Investigation And Prosecution:

• No investigation can be initiated against employees of NBFID without the prior sanction of the central government in the case of the chairperson or other directors, and the managing director in case of other employees.
• Courts will also require prior sanction for taking cognisance of offences in matters involving employees of NBFID.

Other Provisions

• The Bill also provides for any person to set up a DFI by applying to RBI.
• RBI may grant a licence for DFI in consultation with the central government.
• RBI will also prescribe regulations for these DFIs.