Updated for 2026 Syllabus Detailed Explanations High-Yield Core Concepts

Bank Promotion Exam Guide

Banking Awareness | Banking Knowledge | for all Bank Exams

Module: General Practice

Q175: Scenario: The "Ganguly Committee" (2004) reviewed the flow of credit to SSIs. One of its key observations related to "SME Clusters."

Question: What was the core recommendation regarding clusters?
A
Clusters should be disbanded to prevent geographical concentration risk.
B
Banks should adopt a "Cluster-based Approach" to lending, providing comprehensive financial solutions specific to the industry in that location.
C
Clusters should only be financed by Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
D
Interest rates for clusters should be 2% higher than standalone units.
✅ Correct Answer: B
The Ganguly Committee strongly advocated the Cluster-based Approach.
Since SMEs often operate in clusters (e.g., Tirupur for textiles, Ludhiana for hosiery), treating the cluster as a unit allows banks to understand the specific risks and cycles of that industry better.
It also reduces transaction costs and allows for the financing of common facility centers.