Banking Regulation Amendment Act 2020 Strengthens RBI


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)     

Related Stories

Real estate expects boost as RBI MPC meeting nears with rate cut hopes

A sustained decline in interest rates is expected to act as a catalyst for the residential real estate sector in FY 2025-26.

RBI Holds 8th State-Level Coordination Committee Meet in Sikkim

They also deliberated on various types of financial frauds being reported on Helpline 1930 and the total recovery done by ..

Turbine Installation Completed at Rooppur NPP Unit 1 in Bangladesh

The experts carried out control checks that confirmed accuracy of the alignment .