With reference to the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India, consider the following statements:

Correct Option (b):

Statement 2 is correct. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are prohibited from accepting demand deposits, which include savings accounts and current accounts. This constitutes a fundamental distinction between NBFCs and commercial banks. Furthermore, NBFCs do not participate in the payment and settlement system, unlike banks.

Incorrect Options:

Statement 1 is incorrect. NBFCs are permitted to acquire securities issued by the government. Their operational scope often includes dealing in various marketable instruments such as shares, debentures, and bonds. Many NBFCs function as investment and credit companies, where the acquisition of such securities is a core activity.

Option (a) is incorrect because Statement 1 is false.

Option (c) is incorrect because only Statement 2 is correct.

Option (d) is incorrect because Statement 2 is correct.