The Regional Rural Banks Act of 1976 established Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) as government-sponsored, regionally based rural lending organisations. RRBs were designed as hybrid micro banking organizations, combining cooperatives' local orientation and small-scale lending culture with commercial banks' business culture. Their purpose was to provide the credit requirements for rural areas' underserved populations, such as small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, and socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
The shareholding arrangement of RRBs among the three sponsoring bodies is 50:35:15 between the federal government, the sponsoring bank, and the state government.
As part of the RRB consolidation program, the number of RRBs is now decreasing.
Functions :
A bank's basic functions may be stated as follows:
The shareholding arrangement of RRBs among the three sponsoring bodies is 50:35:15 between the federal government, the sponsoring bank, and the state government.
As part of the RRB consolidation program, the number of RRBs is now decreasing.
Functions :
A bank's basic functions may be stated as follows:
- Customers' funds will be protected.
- To create credit and enhance the quantity of money
- to boost public trust in the banking system
- mobilisation of public savings
- to expand its network so that it may reach every element of society
- To provide financial services to all consumers, irrespective of their income level.
- To promote social fairness by offering financial services to all socioeconomic groups.
What are the Issues to RRBs?
- Rising Cost : The increased operational costs of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in comparison to scheduled commercial banks.The government desires that they work to increase their profits.
- Activities are restricted:Many of these branches are losing money since they do not have enough business.In rural regions, they mostly provide government programmes such as Direct Benefit Transfer.
- Low Internet Banking: Only 19 RRBs now provide online banking, while 37 have mobile banking licences.
How are RRBs being Reformed by the Government?
- Various initiatives have been made by the government throughout the years to enhance people's contributions to India's financial system.
- In 1969, the banking industry underwent a massive transformation with the nationalisation of all existing banks in India. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was founded in 1981.
- The primary goal of NABARD's establishment was to promote sustainable and impartial agriculture and rural prosperity through effective loan assistance, associated services, institution growth, and other creative activities.
As a result, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) will lead the effort to resurrect the RRBs.Furthermore, the development bank is already working on a plan for 22 RRBs that will be implemented by the end of this year. The proposal also involved combining these RRBs' branches with sponsor banks after they reached a specific level of operations. Last year, the government formed a team comprised of representatives from Nabard and the RBI to make suggestions for strengthening regional lenders. The government has committed Rs 4,084 crores to RRB recapitalization in 2021-22, with Rs 3,197 crores issued to 21 lenders. an emphasis on financial inclusion via the use of technology
Who oversees RRBs in India?
The Reserve Bank, as the regulator of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), has been actively engaged from the start in the review, examination, and assessment of customer service in RRBs through different recommendations provided to RRBs on a regular basis.
How many RRBs are there in India?
In India, there are 56 Regional Rural Banks.