The RBI has allowed banks to use one-third of their provisioning buffer for specific provisions for bad loans or non-performing assets. In a notification issued from Mumbai on Friday, the RBI has said that utilisation of this buffer could be made for additional provisions for financial distress, prompt steps to resolve it, and fair recovery for lenders and investors.As per the extant guidelines, banks are directed to use this buffer for specific provisions for non-performing assets during periods of system wide downturn, with the prior approval of the RBI.It has further said that utilisation of this buffer could be made for additional provisions for financial distress, prompt steps to resolve it, and fair recovery for lenders and investors.