Investments by banks in bonds/debentures/shares of public sector undertakings and private corporate sector and commercial paper increased by Rs.65.8 billion in 1996-97 as compared with a decline of Rs.1.62 billion in the previous year.
Thus, the total resource flow from banks to the commercial sector inclusive of loans and advances as well as investments in bonds/debentures/shares amounted to Rs.312.9 billion as against Rs.447.7 billion in 1995-96. Investments by scheduled commercial banks in Government securities showed a quantum jump with an increase of Rs.268.6 billion during 1996-97 as compared with the increase of Rs.145.4 billion during 1995-96.