The associate banks have a branch network of 4,744 and all of them have fully adopted core-banking solutions. These banks are well capitalised and profitability ratios are also impressive. Three of the associate ban--s-State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Bikaner & Jai--ur-are also listed.

What is the problem?

•SBI & associates fall under separate Acts; one needs to repeal

•What has to be done?

The entire merger plan now has to be referred to Parliament

• What happens now?

Though PSB boards are meeting next week, no decision likely

• The associate banks of SBI are State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Saurashtra, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Indore.