"Banks have been advised by the RBI that, with a view to reducing the instances of misuse of lost/stolen cards, they may consider issuing cards with photographs of the cardholders or any other advanced methods that may evolve from time to time," Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena said.

He said in the written reply that as regards credit cards, banks have been advised by the RBI to also consider cards with PIN and signature laminated cards or any other advanced methods.

To another query, Meena said that as on March 31, 2012 loans disbursed by public sector banks to various power distribution companies was Rs 1,37,191 crore and total NPAs was Rs 6.98 crore.

"Some delay in repayment of loans has been reported by many banks," Meena said, adding accounts of stressed distribution companies were restructured by the banks as per RBI norms.

PTI