One of the items on the list is evolving of new recruitment norms following the dismantling of BSRBs, officials said. Bank managements are credited with having mooted the proposal in the first place, but are now facing stiff union opposition. However, bank officials said that Mr Sinha is likely to stick to his stand.

The recent stock market and bullion scams too, are expected to figure prominently in the talks. The official agenda obviously, makes no mention of the crisis engulfing one bank after another, but bankers spoke of "the hidden agenda" probably edging out all other issues lined up for the talks.

In fact, the Indian Banks Association too, will be meeting towards the month-end to review stock market exposure and measures to prevent such damage in future. Topping the agenda is the review of non-performing assets (NPA) management under the provision of one-time settlement with defaulters by March 31, 2001, as per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines in this regard.