Public sector banks emerged in India with the nationalization of Imperial Bank of India in 1955. Major subsequent nationalizations took place in 1969 and 1980. There are currently 21 public sector banks. State Bank of India is the largest public sector bank in India after merging with its associate banks in 2017. Public sector banks are considered safer than private banks as they are owned by the government and have lower minimum balance requirements. Public sector banks also offer better deals on loans with lower processing fees and interest rates that apply to existing customers when rates are lowered. They also have more flexible terms for prepayment of loans without penalties.