Banks can lend up to Rs.1 lakh against jewels

The Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to sanction loans of up to Rs.1 lakh against pledge of gold ornaments and jewellery.

“In response to suggestions from banks and with a view to ensuring a level-playing field among various market participants, it has been decided to permit bullet repayment of loans extended against pledge of gold ornaments and jewellery for other than agricultural purposes...,” the RBI said in a notification.

Bullet repayment means a lump-sum payment for the entire loan amount paid at the time of maturity.

The RBI in May had imposed restrictions on banks and NBFCs for providing loans against gold coins as well as units of gold ETFs and mutual funds. Also, banks were asked to ensure that the amount of loan to any customer against gold ornaments, gold jewellery and gold coins (weighing up to 50 grams) should be within the board approved limit.

As per the latest RBI notification, the period of the loan should not exceed 12 months from the date of sanction.

Interest will be charged to the account at monthly but will become due for payment along with principal only at the maturity, it said.