RBI proposes to bar recovery agents from calling borrowers before 8 am, after 7 pm

Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed stricter norms for the recovery of overdue loans. According to these norms, financial institutions and their recovery agents cannot call borrowers before 8 in the morning and after 7 in the evening.

• This proposal is part of the RBI’s effort to protect borrowers from harassment by recovery agents.
• The RBI has also suggested that regulated entities should put in place a board-approved code of conduct for direct sales agents (DSA), direct marketing agents (DMA), and recovery agents.
• They should ensure that these agents are properly trained to handle their responsibilities with care and sensitivity.
• The draft norms on Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services also state that recovery agents should not resort to intimidation or harassment of any kind, either verbal or physical, against any person in their debt collection efforts.
• The RBI has invited stakeholders’ comments on this draft by November 28, 2023.

Question:

Q.1 What is the proposed time frame during which recovery agents can call borrowers according to the RBI’s new norms?
a. 6 am to 6 pm
b. 7 am to 7 pm
c. 8 am to 7 pm
d. 9 am to 6 pm