Barmer/Jaisalmer, June 10 -- The Jaisalmer Central Cooperative Bank has decided to publicly display the names and photographs of chronic loan defaulters at major public places in an effort to recover pending dues and reduce mounting non-performing assets (NPAs). Bank Managing Director Ompal Singh while confirming the move said lists of borrowers who failed to repay loans under the Kisan Sambal Scheme, Kisan Kalyan Scheme, short-term agricultural loans and non-agricultural loans are being prepared. According to the bank administration, the first phase will involve publishing the names of 25 major defaulters in newspapers. In the second phase, large display boards carrying the names and photographs of defaulters and their guarantors will be installed at prominent public intersections across the city. "The objective is to recover the bank's stuck funds and restore financial discipline in the banking system," Singh said. He also appealed to all borrowers to clear their outstanding dues immediately to avoid public embarrassment. Bank officials further said that nearly Rs.100 crore has already turned into non-performing assets (NPAs), while dues related to around 200 other loans are also pending. Overall, recovery of nearly Rs.350 crore is targeted through the proposed drive. However, the move has triggered legal concerns. Advocate Hem Singh Rathore said there is no provision under the SARFAESI Act allowing banks to publicly display photographs of loan defaulters and guarantors at public places. "If such action is taken, it could be legally questionable," Rathore said....