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"I would expect that the Reserve Bank finalises the guidelines as early as possible and then begins to invite applications and then continues the process," he told reporters soon after Rajya Sabha approved the banking laws amendment bill.
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012, which was earlier approved by the Lok Sabha, has paved the way for corporate houses to enter the banking sector, a key reform legislation pending for long.
"There is a need for more banks and I hope that the Reserve Bank will act with speed in the matter," Chidambaram added.
RBI had already issued draft guidelines in this regard and had assured the government that it would initiate the process of issuing new bank licences once the banking law amendment bill is passed by Parliament.
Chidambaram further said that a "fit and proper" entity can get the bank licence.
"Government has no bias in favour of or against anyone. A fit and proper person can get a licence and we have left it to the RBI to frame guidelines. And it is for the RBI to ultimately decide who will get a licence," the Minister said.
He was responding to a question on concerns expressed by certain corporate houses that some entities might be left out from the process.
