ABOUT THE BOOK Banking sector reforms in India are aimed at induction of best international practices and technological changes for competing globally. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has time and again emphasised transparency, diversification of ownership and strong corporate governance to mitigate the prospects of systemic risks in the banking sector. Banking sector reforms have supported the transition of the Indian economy to a higher growth path, while significantly improving the stability of the financial system. In comparison with the pre-reform period, the Indian banking system today is more stable and efficient. However, the gains of the past decade need to be consolidated, so that these could be translated to drive the institutions, markets and practices into a mature financial system that can meet the challenges of globalisation. The banking system would, therefore, not only need to be stable, but also supportive of still higher levels of planned investments by channelling financial resources more efficiently from surplus to deficit sectors. Competitive pressures as well as prudential regulatory requirements have made banks risk-averse as reflected in their tendency to investment in relatively risk-free gilt instruments. The behaviour and strategies of banking business need changes in favour of risk-taking even while performing core activities. Also, there is a need to ensure long-term finance to support development and growth in the economy, even as restructuring takes place through mergers and universal banking. The present book addresses issues like Basel ? II Accord guidelines, second generation banking sector reforms, cost-benefit and productivity analysis of Indian banks, danger zone banks, privatisation and comparative efficiency of Indian banks and the recent reform measures. Vital statistics regarding the Indian banking sector and the recent Annual Policy Statement, 2008-09 of the RBI has also been discussed. About the author Dr. R.K. Uppal did his M.A. in economics from Punjabi University, Patiala in 1986. Thereafter, he obtained M.Phil. degree from MDU, Rohtak in 1987 and Ph.D. degree from Punjabi University, Patiala in 2003. Specialising in banking and finance, Dr. Uppal has 11 books to his credit and has published 40 research papers on the subject in reputed national and international journals. He has also presented more than 35 research papers in national and international conferences in Hawaii, Indonesia, Finland, Costa Rica, Australia, London and the UK. Presently, he is head of the Department of Economics, DAV College, Malout, Punjab and Principal Investigator of a UGC-financed research project on Indian banking. He is also Director of an ICSSR sponsored major research project on Indian banking.