State-run UCO Bank has reported an unimpressive growth of just 12 per cent in its net profit to Rs 253 crore in the fourth quarter mainly due to an increase of 34 per cent in provisions and contingencies.

The bank’s net interest income rose 24 per cent to Rs 1,050 crore in the quarter from the same quarter previous year. During the whole fiscal year 2011-12, net profit rose of the bank increased 22 per cent to Rs 1,109 crore, according to the latest figures released by the bank.

The loan book for the bank rose 17 per cent to Rs 1.16 lakh crore, which was higher than 16 per cent projected by the RBI. On the other hand, deposits with the bank increased at a muted pace at just 6 per cent to Rs 1.54 lakh crore.

The lender's gross non-performing asset ratio rose to 3.48 per cent compared to 3.13 per cent recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. Its net NPA ratio worsened to 1.96 per cent compared with 1.84 per cent.

The provisions by the bank increase 34 per cent to Rs 456 croreand the total sum of liability stands at Rs 800 crore.