Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

The nationalization of the banks in 1969 boosted the confidence of the public in the Banking system of the country. However, in the early 1970s, there was a feeling that even after nationalization, there were cultural issues which made it difficult for commercial banks, even under government ownership, to lend to farmers. This issue was taken up by the government and it set up Narasimham Working Group in 1975. On the basis of this committee’s re commendations, a Regional Rural Banks Ordinance was promulgated in September 1975, which was replaced by the Regional Rural Banks Act 1976.

The Objectives of Regional Rural Banks

1) Bridging the credit gaps in rural areas.

2) To develop such measures which could restrict the outflow of rural deposits to urban areas.

3) To reduce regional imbalances and increase rural employment generation activities.

Sponsorship of Regional Rural Banks

Each Regional Rural Bank is sponsored by a Public Sector Bank. A sponsor bank in relation to a Regional Rural Bank is a Bank by which such a RRB is sponsored. It is duty of a sponsor bank to aid and assist the RRB sponsored by it.

A sponsor bank helps RRB by

a) Subscribing to the share capital.

b) Training personnel of Regional Rural Bank.

c) Providing managerial and financial assistance to RRB.

A sponsor bank provides such managerial (staff) and financial assistance during the first 5 years of its functioning. The central government may, either on its own motion or on the recommendations of NABARD extend such period of 5 years for such further period(not exceeding 5 years at a time) as may be deemed fit.

The authorized capital of Regional Rural Banks is Rs. 5 crores which is contributed by Central Government, State Government and the Sponsor Bank in ration of 50:15:35.

Functions of Regional Rural Banks

All the Regional Rural Banks are authorized to carry on to transact the business of a banking as defined in the Banking Regulation Act 1949. RRBs grant loans to small and marginal farmers, Agricultural labourers, Co-operative societies and to individuals including artisans, small entrepreneurs and persons of small means.

In brief RRBs do all such functions as are done by domestic banks like accepting deposits from public, providing credit, remittance services etc. They can also invest in Government securities and deposit schemes of Banks and Financial Institutions.

Regional Rural Banks may also seek refinance facilities provided by NABARD for the loans sanctioned and disbursed by them.

All the RRBs are covered under DICGC scheme and they are also required to observe the RBI stipulations for Cash Reserve Ratio and Statutory Liquidity Ratio.

The Reserve bank of India has brought all the RRBs under the ambit of Priority Sector lending w.e.f April 1997. Like all other commercial banks RRB are bound to provide 40% of their Net Bank Credit to Priority Sector. Out of which 25% of PS advances or 10 % of Net Bank Credit is to be given to weaker sectors.