The Indian Ministry of Finance is set to host a two-day conference, PSB Manthan, from September 12, bringing together top leaders of public sector banks (PSBs) to discuss the next phase of banking reforms. The conference aims to deepen the Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE) agenda, which has been instrumental in driving the unprecedented profitability of PSBs. In the fiscal year 2025, PSBs recorded a cumulative profit of ₹1.78 lakh crore, marking a 26% increase over the previous year.
The State Bank of India (SBI) alone accounted for over 40% of the total PSB profit, with a net profit of ₹70,901 crore, up 16% year-over-year. Other notable performers included Punjab National Bank, which registered a 102% increase in net profit, and Punjab & Sind Bank, which saw a 71% jump in profit. The momentum has continued into the current financial year, with PSBs collectively posting a profit of ₹44,218 crore in the first quarter, an 11% increase over the same period last year.
The PSB Manthan conference will serve as a forum for top management to review progress on EASE reforms, suggest new digital and governance initiatives, and address challenges in areas such as human resources, customer service, and performance-linked incentives. The conference is an evolution of earlier initiatives, including the Gyan Sangam sessions held in 2015 and 2016, which catalyzed major reforms in India’s financial sector.
The EASE framework, which was introduced in 2017, has been instrumental in driving the performance-driven culture, digital innovation, and customer-centric service delivery in PSBs. The PSB Manthan conference will build on this momentum, with a focus on deepening the EASE agenda and driving further reforms in the banking sector. The conference is expected to provide a platform for top leaders to brainstorm and come up with innovative solutions to drive growth and profitability in the sector.
The record profits posted by PSBs in the fiscal year 2025 are a testament to the success of the EASE reforms and the efforts of the government to drive growth and efficiency in the banking sector. The PSB Manthan conference is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the banking sector in India, with a focus on driving digital innovation, improving customer service, and enhancing governance and risk management practices.