Dear Shareholders,
The Board of Directors are pleased to present the 105th Annual Report of the
Bank for the Financial Year 2023-24 together with the Audited Balance Sheet, Profit &
Loss Account., CashFlow Statement and the report on .Management Discussion & Analysis.
The Corporate Governance Report. and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
also form part of the Annual Report 2023-24.
1. Highlights:
1.1 Indias economic growth remained robust in FY 2023-24. According to the provisional
estimates by National Statistical Office (NSO), Indias gross domestic product (GDP) is
estimated at 8.2% for FY 2023-24, driven by investment. Real GDP growth in Q4:FY24 was
7.8% y-o-y, boosted by investment demand. Fixed investment firmed up at a robust pace with
the governments continued thrust on infrastructure building. Private corporate investment
is slowly gaining vitality with a pickup likely post elections. On the supply side,
manufacturing activity continued to gain traction in H2, supported by lower commodity
prices, diversifying global supply chains and easing logistic costs due to improving
infrastructure. Buoyancy in construction activity contributed to services sector momentum.
The growth in GDP at current prices, or nominal GDP, during FY 2023-24 is estimated at
9.6%.
1.2 There was positive growth across all sectors, with services like trade, tourism,
and hospitality driving momentum. These sectors were followed by manufacturing,
construction and utility service industries like electricity, gas, etc. Enabling
government policies are expected to further catapult industry growth towards an upward
trajectory. Financial sector activity has also been encouraging, with bank credit growth
at 20.2% in FY 2023-24, up from 15.0% in FY 2022-23. Liquidity conditions slipped into
deficit since September 2023 as deposit growth lagged credit. Despite persistent global
challenges, overall exports (merchandise + services) estimated to surpass last years
record highs. It is estimated to reach USD 776.68 billion in FY 202324 as compared to an
average of USD 600.63 billion during FY 2018-19 to FY 2022-23. Exports grew despite global
challenges such as rise in raw material
prices, restrictions in exports of certain products, supply chain disruptions
especially via Red sea crisis and geo-political tensions. According to RBI monthly
bulletin, about 48.7% of Indias merchandise exports and 30.4% of imports are estimated to
be exposed to the Red sea route.
1.3 Despite price volatility in certain specific food items, consumer price index (CPI)
inflation remained within the RBIs tolerance range of 2 to 6 per cent during FY 2023-24,
except in July and August 2023. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) kept the policy repo rate unchanged during FY 2023-24 while remaining focused
on progressively aligning inflation with the target, while supporting growth.
1.4 Going forward, Indias growth trajectory is poised for a significant upswing
following the pandemic, with early indicators hinting at a return to the robust growth
rates exceeding 7%. While private consumption continues to be a key driver, it is
investments and exports that are expected to fuel this resurgence. Although global
headwinds have subdued export growth, public expenditure on infrastructure is emerging as
a pivotal force in driving the growth momentum with private capex likely to show a broad
based pickup post elections. Headwinds from geopolitical tensions driving oil prices
higher, volatility in international financial markets, geo-economic fragmentation, rising
Red Sea disruptions, and extreme weather events, however, pose risks to the outlook.
1.5 Meanwhile global economic outlook is highly uncertain amid financial sector
volatility, moderating yet high inflation in developed markets, and ongoing geo-political
tensions. According to the International Monetary FundRs.s (IMFRs.s) April 2024 update of
the World Economic Outlook (WEO), global growth is expected to be stagnant at 3.2% in
2023, 2024, and 2025. A slight acceleration for advanced economies, where growth is
expected to rise from 1.6% in 2023 to 1.7% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025, will be offset by a
modest slowdown in emerging market and developing economies from 4.3% in 2023 to 4.2% in
both 2024 and 2025. Global inflation is forecast to decline steadily, from 6.8% in 2023 to
5.9% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025. Core
inflation is generally projected to decline more gradually. Elevated inflation levels
is a looming challenge complicating the trade-offs that central banks are faced with,
between containing inflation and boosting economic growth.
1.6 As per the IMF, Asia will contribute 60% of global economic growth in year 2024, as
momentum stays strong. Asias GDP to expand 4.5% in 2024, after growing 5.0% in 2023. India
and China are projected to be the biggest drivers of that growth. In terms of real GDP,
India is forecast to grow 6.8% in 2024, while China expands by 4.6%.
1.7 Notwithstanding global economic uncertainties, Indias economic performance has
surpassed expectations, leading to upward revisions in growth forecasts by institutions
like the IMF, World Bank and ADB in recent months. As per the IMF, India is projected to
expand by 6.8% in 2024 and further by 6.5% in 2025. India is poised to emerge as one of
the largest economies worldwide, projected to contribute significantly to global growth.
Projections indicate India will exceed Germany and Japan in market exchange rates in the
next decade, becoming the second-largest economy by purchasing power parity terms.
1.8 The Reserve Bank of India has pegged the economic growth estimate for 2024-25 at
7.0%. The expected above normal monsoon this year has brightened the prospects for
agriculture sector and rural demand. The steady growth in contact-intensive services is
likely to be positive for urban demand. The governments focus on capital expenditure,
capacity utilization above long-period average and moderating commodity prices should
bolster manufacturing and investment activity. Given the reforms undertaken by the
government and the various supportive measures by the RBI, a very strong foundation is
being laid for further rapid increase in economic growth in the coming years. The various
government initiatives are seen to be supporting growth and credit demand is expected to
remain robust yet moderate from decade high levels clocked in FY 2023-24.
2. Banks Performance
Established in the year 1919, your Bank has 8,466 domestic branches, 8,982 ATMs across
29 States and 5 Union Territories, and 75,866 employees as on March 31, 2023-24
The Bank has 2 overseas Branches at Sydney, and Dubai DIFC, 5 wholly owned
Subsidiaries, 3 Joint Ventures and 1 Associate Organization.
The global business of your Bank stood at Rs. 21,26,412 crore as on March 31, 2024
which comprises of total deposits of Rs. 12,21,528 crore and gross Advances of Rs.
9,04,884 crore.
The operating profit and net profit of the Bank stood at Rs. 28,211 crore and Rs.
13,648 crore respectively as on March 31,2024.
3. Digitization
3.1 The Bank has implemented best-in-class technology solutions to provide frictionless
Digital Banking experience. The Bank is in the process of modernizing its IT Systems by
bringing in state-of-art Digital Business Platform which aims at Omni-channel
capabilities, data driven hyper personalization, Super App with capabilities to cross sell
& upsell, STP journeys and Open Banking capabilities for integration of services
across partnerships in a single interface.
3.2 The Bank has initiated more than 40 digitization projects, w/w 27 projects have
been completed and 13 projects are under various stages of development.
3.3 The Bank has implemented 7 journeys during the FY 2023-24, thereby taking the total
number of journeys to 24 (7 journey includes Gold Loan STP, Digital Kisan Tatkal, Digital
PM SVANidhi, Digital WC Enhancement, Digital Savings Account, Online OTS, VKYC). The bank
could mobilize more than Rs. 8,300 crore digital business from 20+ journeys, w/w Rs. 6,200
Cr business generated in FY 2023-24.
Onboarding of M/s IBM India Pvt Ltd as a System Integrator:
The Bank had partnered with M/s IBM India Pvt. Ltd. to co-create a cutting-edge Digital
Business Platform thereby developing best-in-class digital offerings. The vertical has
adopted wave-wise approach and will be launching 100+ Digital Journeys and Business
services across multiple drops. The project commenced on 30th June 2023 for
Designing, Supplying, Installing, Building, Implementing, Integrating, Customizing and
Maintaining New Digital Business Platform. The project is underway and the Bank is poised
to launch many journeys in Liabilities (CASA) & in RAM sector apart from bringing a
Super App during this Financial Year.
3.4 Vyom App
The mobile banking application of the Bank has been rebranded as "VYOM". VYOM
offers 400+ features with explorative UI/UX design to increase engagement and offers
unique banking experience.
The application offers lifestyle features (marketplace), where in the customer can book
Flight tickets, Hotels, Cabs, Bus tickets, purchase Gift Cards, recharge mobiles DTH &
Data card and make donations. The Bank has also incorporated Mutual Fund, Insurance, and
various STP journeys in VYOM app.
VYOM has been periodically updated with new features such as Aadhar+ OTP based
registration, Virtual Debit Card, Credit Card against Term Deposit, Apply for IPO - ASBA,
Mark Transaction as Fraud, NCMC Wallet recharge Facility, Check beneficiary name in IMPS,
Realtime generation of insurance policy for PMSBY & PMJJBY. 55.18 Lakhs users have
been onboarded in FY 2023-24 with daily login of 24 lakh+ users.
3.5 CRM Solutions
The Bank has implemented CRM Edge; an integrated solution for Branches, Marketing
Officer and Admin Offices;provides various features like Product per Customer (PPC),
Customer Relationship Value (CRV), Services availed, Graphical reports, Complaints /
Service requests / Query resolution on a single platform. Further, it enables automatic
routing of complaints to the respective stakeholders and escalation of complaints on
expiry of stipulated TAT.
With the help of this solution, the Bank automatically tracks business, manages leads
effectively, improves Customer Service & it manages complaints timely &
effectively, provides a Customer 360-degree view (in Detail), Analytics tool, Campaign
Management solution etc.
CRM access is given to Call Centre Agents, BankRs.s Business Correspondents and
DSAs/CSAs.
3.6 CBDC Digital Rupee Appe-RUPI (Digital Rupee) is recently introduced, i.e. tokenized
digital version of Indian Rupee, issued by the RBI.
Your Bank was one among 9 Banks to implement W- CBDC (Wholesale) and one among 13 Banks
to implement CBDC-R (Retail). The Bank was the 1st bank in Cohort 2 to go live
with the CBDC- R pilot project.
3.7 Digital Journeys
Digital solutions for Mutual Funds & Insurance business Digital Mutual Fund
With an objective to increase
the fee-based income, the bank has launched digital solution for
Mutual Funds sales through BankRs.s Mobile App and Net- Banking channels, in addition
to providing paperless transactions at branches. Mutual Fund STP aims to provide best
in-class customer experience for Mutual Fund investment needs of the customer and to
provide a digital buying experience to our customers.
Digital Insurance
The Bank has integrated 34 digital insurance products across Health, General and Life
Segments.
The same is available in Vyom, Internet Banking & Branch Module.
Digital Journeys implemented in FY 2023-24:
During FY 2023-24, the Bank has implemented various STP journeys, features
enhancements, technology upgradations etc to provide frictionless Digital Banking
experience.
> Digital Savings Account:
The Bank has launched next-generation Digital Savings Account, wherein customer can
open their savings account online, without visiting the branch. The process of opening an
account has been made easy with implementation of Video-KYC and online verification of
Aadhaar and PAN and
(Union BankRs.s CBDC app showcased to RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das and Shri Nandan
Nilekani at the Global Fintech Festival 2023)
thereby customer can start enjoying the benefits immediately. Digital Saving Account
journey launched on 31st Oct 2023. As of 31st March 2024, the bank
could mobilize 3012 savings accounts digitally. For walk-in customers digitally assisted
platform is launched to open SB General & Premium accounts with ease & reduced
T-A-T.
Silent Features of Digital Savings Account:
Online PAN & Aadhaar validation
End to end online account opening through V-KYC
Flexibility to select nearby Branch
Immediate account opening and option for funding
> Digital Union Kisan Tatkal:
Digital Union Kisan Tatkal journey is offered to existing KCC borrowers to meet
emergency agriculture needs having KCC limit up to Rs. 25.00 lakhs. The scheme offers loan
amount from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000. The journey offers fully automated decision making
and Digitized sanction, within minutes. Digital Union Kisan Tatkal journey offers Farmer
friendly onboarding process through mobile and web application interface in a self-service
mode. As on 31st March 2024, the bank could mobilize 1573 applications with
sanctioned amount of? 6.49 Crore.
Presentation of Digital KCC at G20 summit, Gandhinagar > Digital PMSVANidhi:
To enable Micro Credit to street vendors, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA), GOI had launched the scheme Rs.PM Street VendorRs.s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi Scheme
(PMSVANidhi)Rs. - a special micro credit facility for providing affordable loan to street
vendors to resume their livelihoods in 2020. In order to facilitate such street vendors
with hassle free quick sanction and disbursal approach to Micro Credit, a new product is
developed to sanction loans to street vendors amounting upto ? 50,000.00 under Digital
PMSVANidhi. A total of 8400 loan applications sanctioned digitally amounting ? 9.29 Cr in
FY 2023-24.
> Digital Working Capital Enhancement:
Digital Enhancement of Working Capital Limit has been devised for existing Micro and
Small category Cash Credit Account Holders of Union Bank of India to give them a
hassle-free sanction in order to meet their regular business needs. With this product,
existing CC customers can apply for enhancement in their existing limits upto Rs. 10.00
Lakh.
> Digital Gold Loan:
The Digital Gold Loan application aims to enhance the ease of on-boarding of customers
and bring down the TAT for processing of the Gold Loan. The Digital gold loan journey is
available through VYOM app as well as through Banks Corporate website. Digital Gold Loan
application offers loans for Retail, MSME and Agriculture purposes. 2,50,433 applications
mobilized & sanctioned Rs. 5007 Crore in FY 2023-24.
> Online OTS:
Fully automated OTS application processing without any manual intervention. The
eligible borrowers can complete the settlement process without having to visit the bank
branch.
> V-KYC:
The bank has implemented Video KYC solutions by integrating with Digital Savings
account journey and other New To Bank (NTB) journeys. The Bank offers robust V-KYC
solutions with minimum T-A-T.
FinTech & Ecosystem Partnerships
The Bank is one of the pioneer banks to create a policy framework for engaging with
FinTechRs.s and leveraging their solutions for building customer digital journeys. The
Bank has empaneled 84 FinTechRs.s, among these 18 FinTechRs.s have been onboarded for
implementing various digital solutions in Agri, Retail & MSME segments. Various
horizontal capabilities through API platform of FinTechRs.s such as Statement Analyzer,
Video-KYC, Title search, valuation etc. are being created.
Account Aggregator and OCEN:
Union Bank of India was the first Public Sector Bank to integrate with Account
Aggregator ecosystem.
Bank has on-boarded 13 Account Aggregators out of which 11 AARs.s (Finvu, Onemoney,
Anumati, NESL Asset Data Limited, Saafe, CAMSfinserv, PhonePe, Protean SurakshAA,
TallyEdge, CRIF Connect Pvt Ltd & Yodlee) are live as of now. INK (M/s Unacores AA
Solutions Pvt Ltd) and Setu (M/s Agya Technologies Pvt ltd) are under integration.
Account Aggregator framework is embedded in 4 MSME journeys viz Tarun, Kishore (Mudra),
Nari shakti and GST Gain, and integrated with LAS Platform.
The Bank is leveraging Account Aggregator Framework for developing new use cases for
improving the Business, Managing Risk and Effective Monitoring.
Under OCEN bank has implemented GeM Sahay as a first reference use case and presently
working on GST Sahay for extending unsecured cash flow-based lending to MSMEs registered
on GeM portal and GSTN respectively.
Digital Banking Units
Our Bank has operationalized 7 DBUs across 7 districts with a prime objective to
increase the digital penetration of financial services by providing cost effective,
convenient access with enhanced experience using paperless, secured and connected
environment. DBUs are located in Rajahmundry and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Palakkad
(Kerala), Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Patiala (Punjab) and Agartala
(Tripura).
Performance of Digital banking Units are shown here below:
|
Total till date (FY 2023-24) |
Savings Account |
4800+ |
Financial & Cyber Security Camps Conducted (since inception) |
1840+ |
KCC Loans (presently operationalized only at DBU Sagar) |
230 |
STP MUDRA Loans |
402 |
VYOM registrations |
3400+ |
Internet banking registrations |
1800+ |
Number of Digital Transaction |
1920000+ |
All the DBUs are equipped with smart capabilities such as interactive, multi-functional
kiosks, tablets, ATMs, video KYC apparatus, the DBUs offer 27 banking services in
self-service mode.
4. Business Highlights:
4.1 The global business of your Bank stood at Rs. 21,26,412 crore as on March 31,2024
4.2 Total Deposits stood at Rs. 12,21,528 crore as on March 31, 2024. Out of this, CASA
share (current account and saving account) stood at 33.58% as on March 31,2024.
4.3 Gross Advances stood at Rs. 9,04,884 crore as on March 31, 2024. RAM segment of
your Bank stood at 13.82%. 11.14% growth in Retail, 20.95% growth in Agriculture, and
8.58% growth in MSME advances are achieved on a YoY basis. RAM advances as a percent of
Domestic Advances stood at 56.90%.
4.4 Overseas business of your Bank stood at Rs. 53,583 crore as on March 31,2024,
compared to Rs. 36,229 crore as on March 31, 2023. Your Bank has two overseas branches in
DIFC (Dubai), and Sydney (Australia). Your Bank also operates in the United Kingdom
through its wholly owned subsidiary, Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd, and operates in Kuala
Lumpur (Malaysia) through its Joint Venture - India International Bank (Malaysia) Berhad,
which is a Joint Venture with Bank of Baroda and Indian Overseas Bank. The Gross Advance
portfolio of the foreign branches stood at Rs. 31,252 Cr as on 31st March 2024
and Net Profit of the foreign branches stood at Rs. 109.76 Cr as on 31st March
2024.
5. Income and Expenditure:
Table 1: Income and Expenditure Statement
(Rs. in crore) |
Sl. Parameter |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
1 Interest Earned |
99778 |
80743 |
2 Other Income |
16080 |
14633 |
3 Total Income (1+2) |
115858 |
95376 |
4 Interest Expended |
63208 |
47978 |
5 Net Interest Income (1-4) |
36570 |
32765 |
6 Operating Expenses |
24440 |
21931 |
w/w Establishment Expenses |
14377 |
12390 |
7 Total Expenditure |
87648 |
69909 |
8 Operating Profit (3-7) |
2821 1 |
25467 |
9 Provisions |
14562 |
17034 |
10 Net Profit/Loss |
13648 |
8433 |
11 Earnings per share (in Rs.) |
18.95 |
12.34 |
6. Profitability and Efficiency:
6.1 Your Bank has reported an Operating Profit of Rs. 28,211 crore in FY 2023-24 as
compared to Rs. 25,467 crore in FY 2022-23.
6.2 Net profit of your Bank stood at Rs. 13,648 crore in FY 2023-24.
6.3 Cost-to-income ratio of your Bank stood at 46.42% in FY 2023-24.
6.4 During FY 2023-24, Return on Average Assets stood at 1.03%, whereas Return on
Equity stood at 15.58%.
Table 2: Efficiency Ratios |
Parameter (%) |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
Return on Average Assets |
1.03 |
0.69 |
Return on Equity |
15.58 |
13.26 |
6.5 The following are the key productivity ratios of your Bank for FY 2023-24.
Table 3: Productivity |
Parameter |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
Business per Employee (Rs. in crore) |
28.02 |
25.50 |
Business per Branch (Rs. in crore) |
251.17 |
224.66 |
Gross Profit per Employee (Rs. in lakh) |
37.18 |
33.69 |
6.6 Dividend:
The Board of your Bank has recommended a dividend of Rs. 3.60 per equity share of face
value Rs. 10/- each for FY 2023-24.
7. ShareholdersRs. Return:
7.1 Your BankRs.s net worth was Rs. 87,601.31 crore as on March 31, 2024.
8. Asset Quality:
8.1 Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) of your Bank stood at Rs. 43,098 crore as on
March 31,2024. GNPA as a percent of gross advances stood at 4.76% as on March 31, 2024.
8.2 Net NPA of your Bank stood at Rs. 8,990 crore as on March 31, 2024, and the Net NPA
ratio stood at 1.03% as on March 31,2024.
9. Capital Adequacy:
9.1 The Capital Adequacy Ratio, as per BASEL III norms, stood at 16.97% as on March 31,
2024. Common Equity Tier I (CET I) capital of your Bank stood at 13.65% in March 2024.
Table 4: Capital Adequacy Ratios - Basel III
(Rs. in crore) |
Parameters |
RBI Minimum Benchmark March 31, 2024 |
March 31, 2024 |
March 31, 2023 |
Total Risk-
Weighted
Assets |
|
664188 |
5,78,455 |
Total
Capital
Funds |
NA |
112689 |
92,778 |
CET 1 Capital |
|
90693 |
71,492 |
Tier 1 Capital |
|
99622 |
80,478 |
CRAR (%) |
11.50 |
16.97 |
16.04 |
CET 1 (%) |
8.00 |
13.65 |
12.36 |
Tier 1 (%) |
9.50 |
15.00 |
13.91 |
Tier 2 (%) |
2 |
1.97 |
2.13 |
9.2 Capital Raised by your Bank
During the year 2023-24, the Bank has raised equity capital through Qualified
Institution Palcement (QIP) to the extent of Rs. 5,000 Crore by way of issue and allotment
of 57,77,00,751 equity shares at price of Rs. 86.55 of face value Rs. 10/- each on
25.08.2023 and further raised equity capital through QIP of Rs. 3,000 Crore by way of
issue and allotment of 22,11,57,390 equity shares of face value Rs. 10/- each on
26.02.2024
The said proceeds were utilized for augmenting the BankRs.s Tier 1 Capital in terms of
Basel III guidelines of RBI and to enhance the long-term resources of the Bank.
10. Network
The Branch Network of your Bank is widely spread across the country with 8466 branches
and 2 overseas branches (Sydney and Dubai) as on March 31, 2024. Out of these, 59 percent
of the branches are located in rural and semiurban centers.
11. Awards & Accolades:
During FY 2023-24, your Bank received awards for various initiatives taken under the
areas of Digitization, Financial Inclusion, HR management, Customer Service, etc.
Best Digital Engagement citation (runner-up, large bank) in 19th IBA
Tech expo
BFSI conclave and awards for:
o Digital transformation Leader
o Use of emerging Technologies
o Digital Security Leader award
o Innovative bank of the year
12. Social Media
Your bank is extending information related to products/ services through its official
handles on all major social media platforms viz. Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and
LinkedIn. Bank has marked its official presence on Threads in August 2023. Users were
engaged in business interactions through conversation sessions/ Direct Messaging, customer
care support, online contests, Educational posts/ videos, organizing online events etc.
User interactions were used to understand brand perception and gained competitive
intelligence to increase business prospects through social media.
Your bank has thrived on cost-effective brand publicity through social media and posted
dynamic content with attractive static/ video posts, bringing customer awareness of the
products, services and offers. Awareness was also created through posts on cyber security,
urging customers to be aware of frauds, cyber scams and other social engineering, social
causes, remembering personalities, significant days/ events, engagement campaigns of
public interest, etc.
Bank has spread awareness among ETB and NTB customers through Influencer marketing in
regional languages with prominent Influencers such as Maithali Thakur, Atta Sandeep,
Karthik Surya, Ishaa Keshkar, etc.
Your bank is available 365x24x7 on all handles which are very responsive and reply
instantly. In the last year, 1.70 lakhs queries from social media users were responded
ensuring timely guidance, proper redirections and complaint redressal resulting in
customer delight. Your bank brand was well received by the public at large, justified with
a whopping 8846.14 lakhs impressions and 115.79 lakhs engagements.
Your bank has a huge follower base on social media presence which has grown to 49.75
lakhs as on 31st March 2024 against 41.47 lakhs last fiscal scaling a
remarkable growth of 20.04% YoY.
Your bank is continuously measuring the overall sentiment about existing or new
products, collecting feedback about initiatives, customer interest to meet the
expectations of customers in product offerings and services rendered.
Your bank has run more than 200+ Digital Marketing campaigns on social media handles
and targeted ad campaigns on Google Ads creating buzz for maximum reach on products/
services/ offers and roped in new customers along with improved search engine visibility
and enhanced website traffic.
Bank has conducted Lead Campaign in regional languages through Google Display Network,
Social Media and Publisher network to generate high intent customer lead and convert them
into potential business for products like Home Loan, Union Nari Shakti, etc.
13. Changes in the Directors on the Board of your Bank:
The following changes took place in the Board of Directors of your Bank during the
financial year 2023-24.
Shri Rajneesh Karnatak, Executive Director of your Bank, ceased to be the
Director on his Elevation as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of
India on 29.04.2023.
Shri Arun Kumar Singh, completed his term in office on 14.07.2023.
Shri Prakash Baliarsingh has been appointed as RBI Nominee Director on the Board
of your Bank w.e.f.
14.07.2023.
Shri Sanjay Rudra has been appointed as an Executive Director on the Board of
your Bank w.e.f.
09.10.2023.
Shri Nidhu Saxena, Executive Director of your Bank, ceased to be the Director on
his Elevation as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Maharashtra on
27.03.2024.
Shri Pankaj Dwivedi has been appointed as an Executive Director on the Board of
your Bank w.e.f.
27.03.2024.
14. DirectorsRs. Responsibility Statement
The Directors confirm that in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024:
The applicable Accounting Standards had been followed along with proper
explanation relating to material departures, if any.
Accounting Policies had been selected and applied consistently, and made
judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view
of the state of affairs of your Bank at the end of the financial year and of the profit
and loss of your Bank for that period.
Proper and sufficient care was taken for the maintenance of adequate Accounting
Records in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Acts for safeguarding the assets
of your Bank and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
The Annual Accounts were prepared on a going- concern basis.
Internal financial controls had been laid down to be followed by your Bank, and
such Internal Financial Controls were adequate and were operating effectively.
Explanation. For the purposes of this clause, the term "Internal Financial
Controls" means the policies and procedures adopted by your Bank to ensure the
orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to your BankRs.s
policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and
errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely
preparation of reliable financial information.
Proper systems were in place to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
15. Performance Evaluation of the Board
The performance evaluation of the Board of the Bank, Committees of the Board and
Directors on the Board of the Bank has been carried out by an independent body - M/s KPMG
India Services LLP, Mumbai and recommended measures to enhance their effectiveness.
The major themes for the evaluation were Competency, Dynamics, Vision and Strategy,
Risk and Independence, Process and Procedure.
16. Market capitalization of the Bank
Particulars |
Market |
Rank among |
|
Capitalisation as on 28.03.2024 |
listed entities |
|
(in Rs. Crore) |
|
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. |
1,17,175.85 |
70 (among top 100) |
BSE Ltd. |
1,17,137.68 |
70 (among top 100) |
Union Bank of India has been included in T+0 rolling settlement cycle by stock
exchanges in equity cash markets.
Further, the top management of the Bank have held more interactions with the
stakeholders of the Bank to enhance BankRs.s market perception.
17. Corporate Governance
The Board of your Bank is committed to adopting good Corporate Governance practices in
letter and spirit. A detailed report on Corporate Governance is given in a separate
section of the Annual Report. The Corporate Governance report for the financial year
2023-24 has no audit qualifications.
18. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
18.1 Union Bank of India has been at the forefront of meeting its CSR commitments.
Towards this, your Bank established Union Bank Social Foundation Trust (UBSFT) in the year
2006 as an extended arm for carrying out the CSR activities of your Bank. The major CSR
activities of your Bank are now being carried out through the UBSFT. Its Board is headed
by your BankRs.s Managing Director & CEO, with executive directors as Vice Chairman
Trustees. Other trustees include your BankRs.s Chief General Managers, General Managers,
and one independent trustee. The UBSFT Board provides directions in accordance with your
BankRs.s thrust areas and undertakes review every quarter. The directions of the Board are
executed by the Chief Executive of UBSFT. While the Registered office of UBSFT is in
Bengaluru, the administrative office is in Mumbai.
BankRs.s StakeholdersRs. Relationship Committee also monitors and guides the CSR
activity of your Bank also that of UBSFT on a quarterly basis.
UBSFT has been incorporated, aiming to support initiatives towards Social upliftment
& improving the lives of underprivileged segments.
18.2 The CSR activities undertaken by your Bank / UBSFT in 2023-24
During the year 2023-24, the Bank has approved donations of Rs. 79.33 crore under CSR.
During the FY 2023-24, donations of Rs. 34.79 crores were approved by Union Bank Social
Foundation (UBSFT) towards 62 projects/programs under various sectors like Education,
Healthcare, Sanitation, Community Development, Skill Development, etc.,
Some of the major activities conducted in the area of social responsibility during the
FY 2023-24 are as under:
As part of our commitment to improving health infrastructure, Union Bank social
Foundation has donated one custom built Ambulance to Civil Court Hospital, Gorakhpur.
UBSFT has proudly donated for procuring & installing critical diagnostic
instruments at their Life Blood Centre of Saurashtra Medical & Educational Charitable
Trust, Rajkot. This contribution reflects our dedication to supporting the blood bank in
its mission to provide quality diagnostic services to patients in need.
As part of commitment to improving
healthcare services., donated an ambulance to Sri Sadguru Sewa Sangh Trust, Chitrakoot
for their hospital. This donation aims to cater to the critical needs of patients by
offering advanced medical transportation equipped with intensive care capabilities.
As part of commitment to improving
healthcare services. donated an ambulance to District Magistrate, Rudraprayag,
Uttarakhand for their hospital. This donation aims to cater to the emergency medical needs
of pilgrims of Kedarnath dham & local people.
As part of commitment to improving healthcare facilities at the sports complex donated
an ambulance with basic life support to Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports,
Patiala. This donation aims to cater to the emergency medical needs of the trainees at the
sports institute.
As part of commitment to improving healthcare facilities at the Primary Health
Centre (PHC), Dharakonda, Paderu donated them with an ambulance. This donation aims to
cater to the emergency medical needs of the patients in that locality.
As part of commitment to improving healthcare facilities at the Hospital
donated100 hospital beds to Sri Guru Gorakshnath Chikitsalaya, Gorakhpur.This donation
aims to cater to the hospital beds need of the patients.
As part of commitment to improving healthcare facilities at the Vriddha Ashram
donated an ambulance to Gauri Gopal Vridha Ashram, Vrindavan.This donation aims to cater
to the emergency medical needs of the inmates of the Vridha Ashram.
As part of commitment to improving
transportation facilities at NizamRs.s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad
donated four electric vehicles (Golf carts). The donation will cater for intramural
transportation of needy patients inside the campus which are located in different places.
As part of commitment to improving
healthcare facilities at CSITA Scudder Memorial Hospital (SMH), Ranipet donated RO
plant. This donation aims to provide clean and pure water to their patients, doctors,
nurses and supporting staff.
As a part of commitment to provide clean and pure water Donated 15 steel benches
to the Kamakhya temple at Assam.The donation aims to cater proper seating arrangement for
the devotees during the waiting period for the darshan of goddess Kamakhya.
As a part of commitment to provide modern infrastructure, donated infrastructure
to the conference hall of Vikas Bhavan, Ghazipur. The donation will cater to the modern
infrastructure in their conference hall for welfare of the general public.
Donated desktop computers & printers, water coolers, fans etc. to Sitaram
Poddar Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Mumbai.The donation aims for providing better infrastructure
facility & pure and safe drinking water to the school children.
Donated Desktop Computers, Air Conditioners, Sony Headphones, RO UV Purification
Water Cooler & Chairs to Shishu Sirothi, a Centre for Rehabilitation & Training
for multiple disability at Guwahati. The donation aims for the welfare of children and
persons with disabilities which will provide appropriate and innovative therapies &
interventions, habilitate / rehabilitate.
19. EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence)
Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE) Reforms Agenda, launched by Government of
India in the financial year 2018-19 for ushering next-generation reforms is now deeply
ingrained in your Bank. The journey has witnessed a transformative shift in the bank,
enhancing the tech-capabilities, improving customer experience, tech and data-enabled
capability building, and improving operational efficiencies, among others. The fifth
iteration of EASE agenda for the FY 2022-23 was launched under the theme "Enhanced
Digital Experience, Integrated and Inclusive Banking" and your bank was placed at 2nd
position in EASE 5.0 annual index.
Sixth iteration of EASE launched under the theme "Customer-friendly banking
enabled by modern capabilities" aims at improving branch banking experience for the
customers by enhanced customer selfservice and employee-assisted digital journeys,
achieving greater customer stickiness, providing a seamless call centre experience to the
customers, improving customer satisfaction of grievance redressal process, expanding
digital banking offerings across agriculture and its value chain, automation of viable
processes for improving operational efficiency, accelerating cloud adoption journey of
PSBs, developing risk assessment methodologies for assessment of climate risk in the front
book, enhancing preparedness of PSBs to mitigate cyber risk, improving employee
productivity, skill panning, training across job family, and digital-data-driven
succession planning.
Your bank has adopted the reform measures progressively built into the EASE framework
in a focused manner which has immensely contributed towards achieving enhanced operational
efficiencies, improved customer offerings and faster service delivery.
The major developmental goals accomplished by your Bank in the FY 2023-24 includes:
Launching comprehensive digital banking for MSMEs with digital Trade Finance
solutions
Launching more Digital Lending Journeys such as Kisan Tatkal, GST Gains, Nari
shakti.
Introducing enhanced MSME functionalities in Mobile Banking and Internet Banking
Introducing unified customer view at outbound call centre with sentiments and
speech analytics
Providing tablets to 100% of the branches for customer self-service and for
staffRs.s assistance to customers.
Integrating all the customer complaint/ feedback channels into a consolidated
complaint management portal with universal complaint ID.
Increased adoption of digital savings account journey through V-KYC.
Digital Adoption of Wealth Management products through VYOM.
Strengthening specialized analytics function for robust data governance and
model management.
Enhanced Analytical Infrastructure and analytics- based training to Analytics
team.
Increasing adoption of cloud technologies.
Strengthened Climate- related risk management and disclosures to assess
potential exposure to climate-related and environmental risks during the underwriting
process.
Strengthening the cyber security model for cyber fraud mitigation and grievance
redressal.
Increasing thrust on promotion of gender diversity.
Adopting various staff friendly initiatives.
Further strengthening specialization, succession planning and leadership
development in the bank.
Improving productivity of the workforce.
In the latest EASE 6.0 index for Q3 FY 2023-24, your Bank is placed in third position
amongst all PSBs. Your Bank has also placed in second position under three out of four
themes i.e. "Delivering excellence in customer service with digital enablement",
"Digital and analytics-driven business improvement" and "Developing people
and enhancing HR operations" in the Q3 FY-24 index.
As, your Bank is transitioning from EASE 1.0 to EASE 7.0, it is all set to leverage
rapid developments in digital technology to bring innovations in customer service,
business decision making, backoffice processes and further improve the banking experience
for you.
EASE Next (Pillar - II): Bank-specific 3-year Roadmap program:
As part of EASE Next (Pillar - II) for bank specific strategic initiatives, your Bank
had prioritized the following 5 initiatives covering 45 metrices with an objective of
achieving the financial and non-financial aspirations.
Increase market share in aspirational districts to become market leader.
Wealth Management: Dedicated vertical with
Relationship Managers for HNI.
Digital ready Bank: Implementation of platform with open banking capabilities,
enabling embedded financing capabilities.
Succession Planning with gender diversity in core.
Strengthening Back-offices to act branches as sales engine.
These initiatives have helped the bank to register significant improvements in bankRs.s
non-interest income.
20. Acknowledgements:
20.1The Directors thank the shareholders, valued customers, well-wishers, Share
Transfer Agent, and correspondents of your Bank in India and abroad for their goodwill,
patronage, and support.
20.2 The Directors acknowledge with gratitude the valuable and timely advice, guidance,
and support received from the Government of India, Government of Maharashtra, Reserve Bank
of India, Securities & Exchange Board of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India, Central Vigilance Commission, BSE, NSE, financial institutions,
correspondent Banks and Statutory Central Auditors of your Bank, in the functioning of
your Bank.
20.3 The Directors place on record their deep appreciation for the dedicated service
and valuable contribution made by members of staff in the overall performance of your Bank
during the year and look forward to their continued cooperation in the realisation of the
corporate goals of your Bank in the years ahead.
20.4 The Directors also express that the staff members stay safe, healthy and maintain
good health.