Banking Regulation Amendment Act 2020 Strengthens RBI
02 Apr 2025 CW Team
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 has enhanced the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) regulatory powers over co-operative banks, particularly in management, audit, capital, and reconstruction/amalgamation. The amendments, applicable to Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) since June 26, 2020, extend key governance provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to co-operative banks.
To prevent corruption and irregularities, several measures have been implemented:
- Fraud Management Master Direction (2024): Issued by RBI for co-operative banks, covering fraud reporting, governance, early warning mechanisms, staff accountability, and audit responsibilities.
- Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework: Ensures financially weak UCBs take timely remedial measures to safeguard depositors' interests.
- Deposit Insurance: RBI, through the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), provides a financial safety net for account holders.
- Public Awareness Initiatives: RBI’s “RBI Kehta Hai” program educates customers on fraud prevention and banking safety.
- Multi-State Co-operative Societies (MSCS) Act Amendment: Strengthens governance, transparency, and accountability in co-operative societies while aligning with the 97th Constitutional Amendment.
- Co-operative Ombudsman: Appointed under Section 85A of the MSCS Act to address complaints related to deposits, equitable benefits, and member rights.
- Co-operative Election Authority: Ensures free and fair elections in Multi-State Cooperative Societies to enhance governance.
- Fraud Reporting Guidelines: NABARD mandates banks to report frauds to law enforcement agencies like State Police, CID, and Economic Offense Wings for further action.
- Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) Initiatives: Focuses on strengthening co-operative movements and training co-operative personnel to enhance economic development at the grassroots level.
This information was provided by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
(PIB)