<h1>Finance Ministry Urges Public Banks to Swap Loan Assets, Focus on MSME Lending, and Open Specialized Branches.</h1> The finance ministry has directed public sector banks (PSBs) to consider selling or swapping loan assets to strengthen their balance sheets. This strategy allows banks to focus on their core strengths, such as MSME lending, by exchanging portfolios with other banks. The ministry also urged PSBs to open branches focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost credit availability. Additionally, 50 clusters have been identified for improved financing access. This initiative follows a significant capital infusion plan aimed at addressing high non-performing assets (NPAs) and supporting the MSME sector, a key employment generator and contributor to manufacturing.