RBI/2011-12/256
RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.No. 30 /03.05.33/2011-12  

November 11, 2011

The Chairmen
All Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

Dear Sir,

Collection of Account Payee Cheques - Prohibition on Crediting Proceeds to Third Party Account

Please refer to our circular RPCD. CO. RF. BC. No. 78 / 07.38.03 / 2005-06 dated April 27, 2006 in terms of which RRBs are prohibited from crediting 'account payee' cheque to the account of any person other than the payee named therein.

2. In view of concerns raised that these instructions are not being adhered to, we reiterate that banks shall strictly adhere to the instructions contained in our circular referred to above and not collect account payee cheques for any person other than the payee constituent.

3. With a view to mitigating the difficulties faced by the members of co-operative credit societies in collection of account payee cheques, relaxation was extended vide our circular RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.No.25/03.05.33/2010-11 dated October 19, 2010. In terms of the said circular, RRBs may consider collecting account payee cheques drawn for an amount not exceeding Rs.50,000/- to the account of their customers who are co-operative credit societies, if the payees of such cheques are the constituents of such co-operative credit societies. The above relaxation will continue as hitherto, subject to the conditions outlined in the circular dated October 19, 2010 referred to above.

4. RRBs may note that the above prohibition and relaxation shall also extend to drafts, pay orders and bankers cheques.

5. Please acknowledge the receipt of the circular to our Regional Office concerned.

Yours faithfully,

(C.D.Srinivasan)
Chief General Manager