Regional Rural Banks were established to ensure that rural areas in India have easy access to banking and credit services, especially for agricultural and other rural activities. These banks were created to bring financial services closer to rural communities, aiming to spur economic growth in these regions. In 1975, a special rule was passed, and in 1976, the Regional Rural Banks Act was enacted to establish RRBs. The Narsimhan Committee on Rural Credit recommended the formation of five RRBs on October 2, 1975. The objective was to cater to the financial needs of rural areas and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Ownership Structure:
RRBs are jointly owned by three entities: the central government, state government, and a sponsoring commercial bank. Ownership is divided as follows: 50% by the central government, 15% by the state government, and 35% by the sponsoring bank.
Goals and Significance:
The main goal of RRBs is to provide banking and credit services to rural regions, helping improve the economic conditions of the rural population. With a significant portion of India’s people residing in rural areas, RRBs play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting rural development.
Role in Rural Development:
RRBs play a crucial role by offering financial services in rural areas, supporting agriculture, and boosting overall rural development. These banks provide credit and other banking facilities to uplift the economic well-being of rural communities.
Historical Context:
RRBs were established during the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the financial needs of rural India.
State | Name of Regional Rural Bank | Sponsor Bank |
Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank | Canara Bank |
Andhra Pradesh | Chaitanya Godavari Grameena Bank | Union Bank of India |
Andhra Pradesh | Saptagiri Grameena Bank | Indian Bank |
Arunachal Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank | State Bank of India |
Assam | Assam Gramin Vikash Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Bihar | Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Bihar | Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank | Central Bank of India |
West Bengal | Uttar Banga Kshetriya Gramin Bank | Central Bank of India |
West Bengal | Paschim Banga Gramin Bank | UCO Bank |
West Bengal | Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu Grama Bank | Indian Bank |
Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank | State Bank of India |
Gujarat | Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank | Bank of Baroda |
Gujarat | Saurashtra Gramin Bank | State Bank of India |
Haryana | Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Jammu & Kashmir | Ellaquai Dehati Bank | State Bank of India |
Jammu & Kashmir | J&K Grameen Bank | J&K Bank Ltd |
Jharkhand | Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank | State Bank of India |
Karnataka | Karnataka Gramin Bank | Canara Bank |
Karnataka | Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank | Canara Bank |
Telangana | Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank | State Bank of India |
Telangana | Telangana Grameena Bank | State Bank of India |
Tripura | Tripura Gramin Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand Gramin Bank | State Bank of India |
Uttar Pradesh | Aryavart Bank | Bank of India |
Uttar Pradesh | Baroda UP Bank | Bank of Baroda |
Uttar Pradesh | Prathama UP Gramin Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Kerala | Kerala Gramin Bank | Canara Bank |
Madhya Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank | Bank of India |
Madhya Pradesh | Madhyanchal Gramin Bank | State Bank of India |
Manipur | Manipur Rural Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Meghalaya | Meghalaya Rural Bank | State Bank of India |
Rajasthan | Baroda Rajasthan Kshetriya Gramin Bank | Bank of Baroda |
Rajasthan | Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank | State Bank of India |
Punjab | Punjab Gramin Bank | Punjab National Bank |
Mizoram | Mizoram Rural Bank | State Bank of India |
Puducherry | Puduvai Bharthiar Grama Bank | Indian Bank |
Nagaland | Nagaland Rural Bank | State Bank of India |
Maharashtra | Maharashtra Gramin Bank | Bank of Maharashtra |
Maharashtra | Vidharbha Konkan Gramin Bank | Bank of India |
Odisha | Odisha Gramya Bank | Indian Overseas Bank |
Odisha | Utkal Grameen Bank | State Bank of India |
Conclusion:
Regional Rural Banks were introduced to ensure that rural communities have access to banking services, thereby contributing to the growth of rural economies. By offering financial support and services, RRBs play a pivotal role in advancing rural development and promoting financial inclusion.