RBI/2015-16/62
DCBR.LS.(PCB) MC.No.16/07.01.000/2015-16

July 1, 2015

All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir,

Master Circular on Area of Operation, Branch Authorisation Policy, Opening/Up-gradation of Extension Counters, ATMs and Shifting/Splitting/Closure of Offices

Please refer to our Master Circular UBD.LS (PCB) MC. No.14/07.01.00/2013-14, dated July 1, 2014 on the captioned subject. This Master Circular consolidates and updates all the instructions/guidelines issued on the subject up to June 30, 2015.

2. Please acknowledge receipt of this Master Circular to the Regional Office concerned of this Department.

Yours faithfully

(Suma Varma)
Principal Chief General Manager

Master Circular

Area of Operation, Branch Authorisation Policy, Opening/Upgradation
of Extension Counters, ATMs and Shifting/Splitting/Closure of Offices

Area of Operation

Introduction

1.1 Area of Operation of a primary (urban) co-operative bank (UCB) means the geographical area/s as defined in its bye-laws, approved by the registering authority. UCBs may expand their Area of Operation through a resolution passed by the general body and getting the amended bye-laws registered with the Registrar of Co-operative Societies (RCS)/Central Registrar of Co-operative Societies (CRCS). Banks are required to seek prior permission (No Objection Certificate) from the Reserve Bank of India for such revision, wherever applicable.

Regulatory Requirements

Extension of Area of Operation within the district of registration and adjoining districts within the State of registration

1.2 Licensed Tier I and Tier II UCBs satisfying the criteria stated below may extend their area of operation to the whole of the district of registration and to its adjoining districts within their State of registration, without prior permission from the Reserve Bank of India subject to satisfying the following norms:

(a) CRAR of not less than 10 per cent;

(b) Gross NPA of less than 7 % and Net NPAs of not more than 3%

(c) Net profit for at least three out of the preceding four years subject to it not having incurred a net loss in the immediate preceding year.

(d) No default in the maintenance of CRR / SLR during the preceding financial year;

(e) Sound internal control system with at least two professional directors on the Board;

(f) Core Banking Solution (CBS) fully implemented; and,

(g) Regulatory Comfort based on, inter alia, record of compliance to the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS), Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and the instructions / directions issued by RBI from time to time i.e. the bank should have track record of regulatory compliance and no monetary penalty should have been imposed on the bank on account of violation of RBI directives / guidelines during the last two financial years

The Urban Co-operative Banks, which fulfill the above stated seven norms, are called “Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM)” UCBs.

Such FSWM UCBs need not approach Reserve Bank of India for seeking ‘no objection’ for extension of area of operation as stated above. Such banks may directly approach the RCS of the State concerned for extension of area of operation to the entire district of registration and its adjoining districts within the State of registration.

Extension of Area of Operation beyond the adjoining districts and to the entire State of registration

1.3 The uni-state Tier II UCBs may extend their area of operation to the entire State of Registration on fulfilling the conditions stipulated for FSWM UCBs.

1.4 Tier II UCBs registered or deemed to be registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 satisfying the criteria for FSWM UCBs will be permitted to extend their area of operation to the entire State of original registration.

RBI will consider requests for expansion of area of operation to the entire state from licensed Tier II UCBs or UCBs registered or deemed to be registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 and which fulfil the above criteria stated for FSWM UCBs as per the last RBI inspection. Also the Assessed Net Worth (ANW) of such FSWM UCBs should not be less than the entry point capital norms prescribed for the highest category centre in that district(s), applicable to a new general category bank, as indicated in Annex I. While considering such applications, RBI will give due consideration to system of internal controls prevailing in the bank and supervisory comfort. UCBs desirous of extending their area of operation to the entire state may approach the Regional Offices of Reserve Bank of India for prior approval.

1.5 For the purpose of classification of UCBs into Tier I and II, the following definition may be adopted for all regulatory purposes in super-session of instructions contained in circular RBI Circular UBD.(PCB).Cir.No.35/09.20.001/07-08 dated March 7, 2008:

Tier I Banks:

(i) Banks having deposits below ₹ 100 crore operating in a single district;

(ii) Banks with deposits below ₹ 100 crore operating in more than one district will be treated as Tier I provided the branches are in contiguous districts and deposits and advances of branches in one district separately constitute at least 95 per cent of the total deposits and advances respectively of the bank; and

(iii) Banks with deposits below ₹ 100 crore, whose branches were originally in a single district but subsequently, became multi-district due to reorganisation of the district may also be treated as Tier I UCBs.

Tier II Banks: All other Banks

Note: The deposit and advances as referred to in the definition may be reckoned as on 31st March of the immediate preceding financial year.

Extension of Area of Operation beyond the State of registration and Extension of Area of Operation of Multi-State UCBs

1.6 Financially sound and well managed (FSWM) UCBs that have a minimum assessed net worth of ₹ 50 crore, will henceforth, be allowed to extend their area of operation beyond the State of registration as also to any other State/s of their choice subject to the criteria stipulated for them as laid down in Para 1.2 above.

Branch Authorisation Policy

Introduction

2.1 In terms of Annual Policy Statements for the year 2007-08 and 2008-09, it was decided to liberalise and rationalise the branch authorisation norms for Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) UCBs in the States that have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reserve Bank of India and those registered under Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. The present policy is given in the following paragraphs.

Authorisation Policy - Eligibility Criteria

2.2 Financially sound and well managed (FSWM) UCBs will be eligible to open branches/extension counters (ECs) in their approved area of operation beyond the current annual ceiling of 10 per cent and upgrade ECs which are in operation for more than three years, provided they have the required headroom capital (prescribed in Annex V) in terms of assessed net worth (ANW) per branch, including existing branches (methodology given in Annex VI) and subject to fulfillment of the six criteria laid down in Para 1.2 above. Such FSWM UCBs should maintain a minimum CRAR of 10 per cent on a continuous basis with minimum ANW commensurate with the prevalent entry point capital norms for the centre where branch is proposed / where it is registered. Entry point norms for various categories of UCBs are given in Annex I.

2.3 Banks which have been organised as unit banks and have been extended relaxation in the entry point capital as indicated in Annex I, would be eligible to open branches only after augmenting their Assessed Net Worth (ANW) to the level required for opening a new general category bank at the place where the bank was organised or where the branch is desired to be opened, whichever is higher. For instance, if a unit bank was organised at a category ‘D’ centre and it intends to open a branch at a ‘B’ category centre, such bank’s ANW should necessarily be raised to entry point capital prescribed for organising a general category bank at a ‘B’ category centre.

2.4 Similarly if a bank, other than a unit bank, desires to open a branch at a higher category centre, other than the centre at which it was established, within the district of its registration, the ANW of the bank should at least be equivalent to the entry point capital prescribed for that centre. Illustratively, if a bank situated at ‘C’ category centre intends to open a branch at ‘B’ category centre, in the same district, its ANW should be equivalent to the entry point capital prescribed for ‘B’ category centre.

2.5 However, a bank which desires to open a branch at a centre, other than its district of registration but within the state of registration, must have ANW not less than the entry point capital required for organisation of a new general category bank at the highest category centre in that state. Illustratively, if a bank registered in district ‘X’ desires to open a branch in district ‘Y’ within its state of registration, then its ANW should not be less than the entry point capital required for highest category centre in the state.

Selection of Centres

2.6 UCBs, satisfying the above mentioned norms may prepare an Annual Business Plan (ABP) for opening of branches (including extension counters and up-gradation of extension counters into full-fledged branches, in their existing area of operation, for the next 12 months, with the approval of their Board of Directors and submit the ABP, in duplicate, along with Annexes II, III, IV and VI to the respective Regional Offices of Reserve Bank of India. The plan may be submitted preferably by end of December of the previous financial year.

2.7 Where the banks have opened extension counters without complying with the prescribed norms and subsequently approach Reserve Bank of India for up-gradation of the same into full-fledged branches, such banks would not be allotted centres unless they close unauthorised extension counters. Further, a centre where a bank has opened an unauthorised extension counter, such a centre would not be considered for opening a branch in future.

2.8 Scheduled UCBs which comply with the eligibility norms indicated at Para 1.2 above may open mobile/satellite offices. Such of the scheduled banks which desire to open mobile/satellite offices may indicate the same in the format as per Annex IV enclosed to this circular along with other centres where they intend to open branches.

2.9 Banks need not indicate the exact address of the proposed branch in the ABP but may only indicate the place of business including the name of the town/city within their area of operation, in the order of their preference, where they desire to open branches. Banks should choose the centres at which they wish to open branches after careful consideration of business potential and availability of premises at such centres.

2.10 A list of centres where a bank desires to open branches under the ABP should be indicated in the format as per Annex IV enclosed to this circular, and only one application need to be sent. The banks should not submit statements/ annexes, which are not required/called for, but submit only the requisite information/data, along with a certified copy of the latest audited balance sheet (as of 31 March) or a copy of the published Annual Report of the bank.

Approval for Centres

2.11 The banks which comply with the prescribed norms (Para 1.2) will be allotted centres strictly in the order of preference given by them. Once a centre is allotted, no request for change in the allotted centre would be entertained.

Authorisation and its Validity Period

2.12 A valid authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India is required for opening a new place of business including extension counters, off-site ATMs or changing the location of any existing place of business (except to the extent permitted vide paragraphs 5.1 to 5.5) under Section 23 of the BR Act, 1949 (AACS). After making arrangements for opening of branches, the bank should approach the Regional Offices of Urban Banks Department under whose jurisdiction they operate, in the prescribed Form V, indicating the exact postal address of the place where the branch is to be opened, for issuance of authorisation within a period of six months from the date of allotment of the centre.

2.13 Authorisation will be valid for one year from the date of issue, or one and a half year from the date of allotment of the centre, whichever is earlier. Ordinarily, no extension of time will be granted after the expiry of validity period of licence. Only in exceptional cases, where the bank is unable to open the branch for reasons beyond its control, an extension of time not exceeding six months may be granted by the Regional Offices, under advice to Central Office.

2.14 Opening of branches without a valid authorisation from the Reserve Bank is an act of violation of Section 23 of the BR Act, 1949 (AACS), and liable to attract penalties.

2.15 In case, the information/particulars furnished by any bank are found to be incorrect, the Reserve Bank of India will take a serious view in the matter and the bank will be liable for penal action, including debarring it from allotment of centres for a period of three years.

Procedural Guidelines for Permission to open branches

2.16 Banks should ensure that there are no restrictions imposed by the local development or other authorities for setting up commercial establishment in the locality where the branch is proposed to be opened.

Opening of Specialised branches – Central Processing Centres (CPCs) / Retail Asset Processing Centres

3.1 Need based authorizations for specialised branches would be considered for UCBs with a large network of branches having substantial volume of business to handle and process, which ultimately result is cost reduction and faster approvals.

3.2 CBS enabled scheduled UCBs satisfying the criteria of financially sound and well managed (FSWM) UCBs as stated at Para 1.2 are permitted to open specialised branches with the prior approval of RBI. UCBs desirous of opening specialised branches may include them in their Annual Business Plan explaining the need and objective for opening such centres.

3.3 The specialised branches should be fully computerized and should be opened with in the Area of Operation of a UCB and should be based on a cluster approach. These branches should not have direct interference / business transactions with customers and conversion from a specialised branch to normal branch and vice versa to be carried out with prior approval of RBI.

Opening of Extension Counters

Eligibility criteria and application procedure

4.1 Eligibility criteria and application procedure for opening of Extension Counters are prescribed in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.10.

Policy Approach

4.2 ECs may be opened within the premises of educational institutions, big offices, factories and hospitals of which the concerned UCB is the principal banker. Request from other banks to the institution may be considered, only if opening of an EC is not considered feasible by the principal banker and/or its base branch is beyond 10 kilometers from the EC, after obtaining written consent from principal banker. UCBs may submit declaration from the institution in which it proposes to open EC in the format as per Annex XI. ECs may also be opened in the residential colonies provided no other branch/EC is already existing in the colony and no restrictions have been imposed by the local development or any other authorities for setting up a commercial establishment in the residential colony/ locality. No extension counter should be opened in market place, shopping centre, etc.

Norms for Opening of Extension Counters

4.3 A bank desiring to open ECs should comply with the following norms.

(a) Only one EC is permitted within the premises of any institution / office / hospital or in a residential colony.

(b) Base branch of the bank to which the proposed extension counter is linked should be within a distance of 10 kilometers to facilitate incorporation of transactions of EC in the accounts of the base branch on a day-to-day basis.

(c) While opening an extension counter, the bank should take into account important factors such as need, viability and overall merits of opening of the EC.

(d) ECs should not be opened merely for collection of fees, payment of bills for electricity, water, telephones, etc. as it is primarily the responsibility of the institution concerned.

(e) The facilities at an extension counter should be restricted to deposit / withdrawal transactions; issue and encashment of drafts and mail transfers; issue and encashment of travellers' cheques; collection of bills; advances against fixed deposits of their customers (within the sanctioning power of the officials concerned at the EC); and disbursement of other loans (only for individuals) sanctioned by the Head Office / base branch up to the limit of ₹ 10.00 lakh only.

(f) Such of the banks which have opened ECs, without seeking prior permission from RBI, will have to close down the same and these would not be considered for regularization / up-gradation into full-fledged branches.

Safe Deposit Locker Facility at Extension Counters

4.4 The permission to provide the facility of safe deposit lockers may be granted on merit to banks which comply with following criteria.

(a) The bank should have complied with the prescribed capital adequacy norms.

(b) The bank's net NPAs should be less than seven per cent of its net loans and advances.

(c) The bank should have posted net profit for the last three consecutive years.

(d) UCBs intending to provide safe deposit lockers at their extension counters should ensure that the institution in whose premises the extension counter is/proposed to be opened is agreeable for the provision of such facility and adequate security arrangements are in place at the premises.

Up-gradation of Extension Counters into Full-Fledged Branches

4.5 Eligibility criteria and application procedure for up-gradation of extension counters (ECs) are prescribed in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.10.

4.6 Up-gradation of extension counters into a branch is treated as equivalent to allotment of centre for opening of a branch. Only such of the ECs as have been accorded post-facto approval by the Reserve Bank of India or opened with the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India will be considered for up-gradation into a branch.

4.7 Up-gradation of the extension counters is permitted after completion of three years of their operation as extension counters.

4.8 The shifting / relocation of these branches, if considered necessary by the bank, would be permitted subject to the following conditions:

(a) The proposal is for shifting / relocation of the converted branch within the city / town limit.

(b) Banking services to the existing customers of the extension counter, including the institutional customer, are ensured.

(c) No new extension counter will be allowed in the institution in which the extension counter is housed presently.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

On-site ATMs

5.1 UCBs satisfying the criteria of financially sound and well managed (FSWM) UCBs as stated at Para 1.2 above, may set up on-site ATMs without prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India.

Off-site ATMs

Eligibility criteria and application procedure

5.2 CBS-enabled UCBs which satisfy the FSWM criteria as mentioned in para 1.2 above may install off-site / mobile ATMs as per their need and potential in their area of operation without prior approval of RBI, subject to the conditions given below

(a) The bank shall have an assessed networth of ₹50 crore and conform to the FSWM criteria based on the Reserve Bank’s inspection Report relating to the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the ATM (s) is / are proposed to be installed and in the absence thereto, to the financial year just before the immediate preceding year.

(b) Mobile ATMs shall be operated strictly within the bank’s approved area of operation and any violation thereof may lead to ban on further branch expansion and / or grant of other regulatory approvals apart from action under section 47 A of the B. R. Act, 1949 (AACS). Mobile ATMs will have to be linked to a branch as per extant instructions

(c) UCBs shall report to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank under whose jurisdiction the Head Office of the bank is functioning immediately after operationalisation of offsite / mobile ATMs and in any case not later than 15 days as per format detailed in Annex XVI and obtain authorization under section 23 of the B. R. Act, 1949 (AACS).

5.3 Requests for opening off-site ATMs by FSWM UCBs which do not comply with the assessed networth criteria as per para 5.2 above will be considered outside Annual Business Plans, subject to conditions laid down in Para 1.2 above and maintenance of a minimum CRAR of 10 per cent on a continuous basis with minimum ANW commensurate with entry point capital norms for the centre where the off-site ATM is proposed/where the bank is registered.

5.4 UCBs, satisfying the above mentioned norms may prepare an application for opening Off-site Automated Teller Machines, as per their requirement, in their existing area of operation, with the approval of their Board of Directors and submit the same, in single copy, along with Annexes III, V, IX and X to the respective Regional Office of Reserve Bank of India.

5.5 The following facilities may be provided at off-site ATMs.

(a) PIN changes

(b) Requisition for cheque books

(c) Statement of accounts

(d) Balance enquiry

(e) Inter-account transfer - restricted to accounts of the same customer at the same centre

(f) Banks may provide telephone connection between the "stand alone" ATMs with branch ATMs and Shared Payment Network System (SPNS). However, no person other than security guard should be posted at such non-branch stand-alone ATM centers.

(g) UCBs are free to share / interlink their ATMs with other banks.

Shifting / Splitting / Closure of Offices

Shifting of Offices

6.1 Licensed UCBs satisfying the criteria of Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) UCBs as stated at para 1.2 above may shift their place of business, including administrative office, located in the semi-urban areas anywhere within the same town, irrespective of distance vis-à-vis other banks/offices, etc. without prior permission of the Reserve Bank of India. As regards banks located in urban / metropolitan centers, shifting within the same locality / municipal ward is permitted in respect of licensed UCBs satisfying the criteria of FSWM UCBs as stated at para 1.2 above without prior permission of the Reserve Bank of India.

6.2 A report in the format, as per Annex XII should be submitted in duplicate to the Regional Office concerned of this Department within a month from the date of shifting where RBI's prior approval is not required.

6.3 For shifting to a different locality / municipal ward, licensed UCBs satisfying the criteria of FSWM UCBs as stated at para 1.2 above are required to obtain prior permission and may submit their application as per the format in Annex XIII.

Shifting branches from one city to another

6.4 The requests of UCBs (other than Unit banks) to shift their branches from one city to another in their area of operation within the same State will be considered subject to their compliance with the following conditions:

(a) The new centre is of the same or lower population group as the existing centre e.g. a branch at a 'D' centre can be shifted to another 'D' centre only; and

(b) A branch located in under-banked district can be shifted to another centre in under-banked district only. The shifting should be beneficial to the bank in terms of cost and business.

6.5 UCBs desiring such shifting are required to submit their applications in this regard to the Regional Office concerned of the Urban Banks Department for prior permission.

Splitting or Part Shifting of branches within the Same Locality/Municipal Ward

6.6 Splitting of branches or part shifting of some of the departments of parent office/branch can be made to a near by location within the same locality/municipal ward due to space constraints and for better customer service or for convenience of the members, irrespective of the distance vis-à-vis other offices/banks, without prior permission of the Reserve Bank of India subject to the condition that identical business is not conducted from both the premises.

6.7 A post-facto report to this effect, in the format as mentioned in Para 5.2 above, should be submitted in duplicate to the Regional Office concerned within one month from the date of shifting.

Closure of Branches and Extension Counters

6.8 UCBs are allowed closure of un-remunerative branches/extension counters without prior permission of RBI subject to the following conditions.

(a) Bank should not have been placed under any directions under section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS).

(b) Decision to close down extension counters/branches should be taken by the Board after taking into account all the relevant factors and should be properly minuted in the official record of proceedings of the Board meeting.

(c) Bank should give proper notice to all existing depositors/ clients of the branch through press release in local leading newspapers as well as in the form of circular letter to each constituent of the branch, well in advance of closure of the branch.

(d) It should return the original licence/s issued for the closed branch to the Regional Office concerned of this department.

(e) The disposal of the premises occupied by the erstwhile branch should be reported to our Regional Office concerned and the RCS.

(f) Bank should not open extension counter at the same place after closure of branch/es.

(g) Bank should report to the Regional Office concerned of Reserve Bank of India, in Form VI prescribed under Rule 8 of Banking Regulations (Co-operative Societies) Rules, 1966 after closing the branches, within one month from the date of closure, along with copies of the relative Board resolution.

(h) The bank should preserve all the relevant records and make them available to Reserve Bank inspection team for scrutiny during the course of inspection.

Shifting, Acquisition, Surrender of leased premises, etc. of UCBs not categorized as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM)

7.1 UCBs, which do not satisfy the criteria of financially sound and well managed (FSWM) UCBs as stated at para 1.2 above and not complying with section 11 (1) of BR Act, 1949 (AACS), will be required to obtain prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India and / or Registrar of Co-operative Societies for:

(a) Sale of bank's own premises;

(b) Surrender of existing premises taken on lease/rental basis;

(c) Acquisition of new premises on ownership or lease/rental basis; and

(d) Shifting of offices/departments as a result of sale of premises/surrender of premises/ acquisition of new premises.

7.2 Such banks are required to submit their application in enclosed format given at Annex XIV in duplicate to the Regional Office concerned.

Authorisation Policy for Salary Earners' Banks

8. In view of their special status the salary earners' banks (SEBs) have not been covered under ABP for opening of new branches. Requests for allotment of centres may be considered only from licensed SEBs on their fulfilling certain specified norms. SEBs fulfilling the under-noted norms may apply for opening of branches.

(a) The bye-laws should not contain provision for giving loans to outsiders (non-employees) by enrolling them as members/nominal members.

(b) There should at least be 1000 members at a place where the SEB desires to open a branch.

(c) It should comply with the regulatory framework prescribed by RBI.

(d) It should have posted net profits during each of the preceding two years.

(e) Its net NPAs should be less than 10 per cent of its net loans and advances as on the last balance sheet date and it should have made requisite provisions as per RBI guidelines.

(f) CRAR of the bank should not be less than that prescribed by RBI from time to time.

(g) In case a bank desires to open a new branch within its district of registration, its Assessed Net Worth (ANW) should, at least be equal to the entry point capital norms indicated in Annex I for opening a new general category bank at that centre where the bank was organised or where the branch is desired to be opened, whichever is higher. Illustratively, if a SEB organised in the "C" category centre desires to open a branch in "B" category centre within its district of registration, its ANW should be at least equivalent to the entry point capital norm prescribed for "B" category centre.

(h) SEB desirous to open a branch, outside its district of registration but within the State of registration, should have ANW not less than the entry point capital norm prescribed for opening a new general category bank at the highest category centre in that State. The entry point capital norms prescribed are indicated inAnnex I enclosed to this circular.

(i) SEBs, which satisfy the norms indicated above, may prepare and get their branch expansion programme approved by their Board of Directors and forward the same to the Regional Office concerned of the Urban Banks Department giving information in Annexes I, II & III enclosed to our circular UBD BL (SEB) No.5A/07.01.00/ 2001-02 dated August 8, 2001. Annex III indicating classification of assets and provision made against non-performing assets should be duly certified by Statutory Auditor/Chartered Accountant under his stamp and signature. Once a centre is allotted no request for change in the allotted centre would be entertained. On receipt of the allotment letter the banks may make preliminary arrangements for opening the branches and submit applications in Form V for issue of branch authorisation/s, within six months from the date of allotment of the centre. The banks should note to open the branches only after obtaining branch authorisation and within the validity period of the branch authorisation. No request for extension of time for opening the branch will be entertained except in the circumstances beyond the control of the bank.

Submission of Wrong Information

9. It may be carefully noted that in case the information/particulars furnished by a bank is found incorrect, Reserve Bank of India would take a serious view in the matter and the bank concerned would be liable for penal action, including debarring it from allotment of centres for the next three years.

Resolution of Board of Directors

10. The proposals of UCBs for extension of Area of Operation, opening of branches, extension counters etc., shifting of offices, splitting of branches, etc. should be sent only with the prior approval of the bank's Board of Directors and appropriate resolutions in this behalf should be passed. The relevant resolutions should be submitted to the Regional Offices concerned while approaching them for prior / post-facto approval therefor. The relevant records may also be preserved and made available to the Reserve Bank's inspection team for scrutiny during the course of inspection.

Branch Banking Statistics - Submission of Quarterly Returns–
Revision of Proforma I and Proforma II

11. With a view to streamlining and updating the system of compilation of branch banking data, maintained by the Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM), Central Office, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai and Regional Offices of UBD, the Proforma I & II submitted by banks have been revised in order to include details in respect of Not Administratively Independent Offices (NAIOs) like Extension Counters, Satellite Offices, ATMs etc. The quarterly Proforma I and II should be submitted by all UCBs to DSIM and Regional Offices of UBD. The detailed instructions in this regard are given in our circular UBD.CO.LS.Cir.No.43/07.01.000/2006-07 dated May 9, 2007.

Acquisition of Accommodation on Lease / Rental Basis by Urban
Co-operative Banks for their Use i.e., for Office and Residence of Staff

12.1 The authorisations issued for opening of bank branches / offices are location-specific in as much as, in terms of the extant instructions, Reserve Bank of India issues authorisation / permission for opening a bank branch / office at a particular centre based on the exact postal address of the place where the branch / office is to be opened. In the circumstances, it is incumbent upon banks to ensure that their branches are operating from premises, which have a subsisting and valid lease agreement, free of any dispute between the bank and the landlords of the premises in question. Therefore, Head Offices of banks were advised to undertake a review in this regard.

12.2 Banks are required to furnish quarterly progress reports (as at the end of March, June, September and December) as per the format given at Annex XV to enable RBI to take a view on the appropriateness, or otherwise, of continuing the authorization for the branch / office which is functioning in a 'disputed' premises, to the RD of the Regional Office of RBI concerned, within a period of one month from the close of the respective quarter to which the report relates. It may be noted in this regard that in respect of branches / offices situated in Maharashtra, the information will be furnished by banks to the Chief General Manager, Urban Banks Department, Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Regional Office, Garment House, 2nd Floor, Dr. Anne Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400 018.

Annex – I

Entry Point Norms

In the tables below A, B, C and D denote centres with the following population:

I. Entry Point Norms for General Category

II. Entry Point Capital Norms for Unit Banks /Banks organised by Mahilas/SCs/STs and those organised in less developed States

III. Entry Point Norms for Banks organised in least developed States/North-Eastern States/Tribal Regions

Annex – II

Profile of the bank

1. Name and address of the bank

2. Licence No. and date of licence

3. Area of Operation (as approved by RBI)

4. Whether bank has an elected Board of Directors?

5. If so, whether there are two professional directors?

6. No. of existing branches (List of branches to be annexed), their location and the population of the centre where the branch is located as per latest census

7. No. of existing extension counters (List to be annexed) with address

8. No. of existing Off Site ATMs (List to be annexed) with address

9. Whether there were / are any default in CRR/SLR (If yes, give details and the reasons for the same)

Annex – III

Financial Position as per audited balance sheet (latest)

Name of the bank:

Annex – IV

Name of the bank:

Board Resolution approving the plan of action for opening the branches
and the particulars of centres at which the bank proposes to open branches

Note: Reasons for the proposed branch including adequacy of banking facilities at the centre, business prospects at the proposed place of business within 12 months (an estimate of minimum business which the UCB expects to attract). A viability study report (as per proforma given below) for the proposed branch containing the potential available in the area, estimate of income and expenditure and likely period of break-even etc. may be submitted.

Annex –V

Name of the bank:

Board Resolution approving the plan of action for opening Off Site ATMs
and the particulars of centres at which the bank proposes to Off Site ATMs

Note: Indicate briefly the benefits expected to accrue by way of installation of ATMs, cost involved, etc.

Annex –VI

Name of the bank:

Information to be submitted along with Annual Business Plan

1. Medium Term policy for branch expansion programme of the bank

Bank may furnish details of the proposed Medium Term Policy for its branch expansion inclusive of branches & ATMs for a period of 3 years

2. Expected level of business in the next 3 years-

a. Deposits

b. Advances

3. Expected level of capital augmentation required for the branch expansion and measures proposed to meet the same in order to maintain CRAR at a minimum of 10% on a continuous basis

4. Technology implementation

a. No. of branches fully computerised

b. No. of branches with net work connectivity

c. No. of branches with Core Banking Solution (CBS)

The bank may also submit a brief write-up on the existing technological infrastructure, various technology initiatives undertaken and the proposed enhancement/upgradation of technology for achieving its business goals in the medium term.

5. Measures to promote financial inclusion

6. Steps proposed to be taken by the bank to ensure that the quality of customer service does not get adversely affected due to expansion of branches.

7. Details of complaints received and disposed of during the last two years

8. Measures proposed by the bank to address the following issues arising out of scaling up of operations due to the proposed branch expansion-

a. internal control and audit

b. Housekeeping and reconciliation

c. Other areas of Operational risk

d. HR issues

9. Any other information

Annex –VII

(To be submitted along with Annual Business Plan)

Steps for arriving at Headroom in terms of ANW per branch for allotment of branches

Annex –VIII

To be submitted along with Annual Business Plan

Annex –IX

Information to be submitted along with application for Off-site ATMs

1. Name and address of the bank

2. Licence No. and date of licence

3. Area of Operation (as approved by RBI)

4. Whether bank has an elected Board of Directors?

5. If so, whether there are two professional directors?

6. No. of existing branches (List of branches to be annexed), their location and the population of the centre where the branch is located as per latest census

7. No. of existing extension counters (List to be annexed) with address

8. No. of existing Off Site ATMs (List to be annexed) with address

9. Whether there were / are any default in CRR/SLR (If yes, give details and the reasons for the same)

Annex –X

Information to be submitted along with application for Off-site ATMs

Name of the bank:

1. Technology implementation

1.1 No. of branches fully computerised

1.2 No. of branches with net work connectivity

1.3 No. of branches with Core Banking Solution (CBS)

The bank may also submit a brief write-up on the existing technological infrastructure, various technology initiatives undertaken and the proposed enhancement/upgradation of technology for achieving its business goals in the medium term.

2. Any other information

Annex –XII

Report on shifting of an office by an Urban Cooperative bank in
cases where prior permission of Reserve Bank of India is not required

5. I hereby certify that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature_____________________________

(Name of the Bank's Chief Executive Officer)

Date :

Forwarded to :

The
Reserve Bank of India
Urban Banks Department
___________Regional Office

Encls :

Note : Please submit this Annex as also the necessary enclosures/documents/sketch-maps etc. in duplicate.

Annex XIV

Information to be furnished by urban co-operative banks classified as weak i.e. non-
viable / under rehabilitation / not complying with provisions of section 11 (1) of the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (As applicable to Co-operative Scieties) for obtaining prior
approval of the Reserve Bank of India for shifting of its offices, sale / surrendering of
existing premises or for acquisition of new premises on ownership / leased rental basis

Date :                                                                         Signature :  _______________

                                                                                 (Name of the bank’s Chief Executive Officer)

Forwarded to –

The ______________
Reserve Bank of India
Urban Banks Department
___________ Office

Encl :

NOTE: In terms of circular No.UBD.RBL.77/J (Shifting) – 85/86, dt.12/2/1986 the bank should not enter into any firm commitment for acquisition of premises for shifting an office thereat until Reserve Bank’s prior approval has been obtained. Therefore, if a bank has inadvertently made any such commitment, it should in its own interest take steps to cancel or nullify it. Reserve Bank of India will not consider any request for reconsidering its decision in such cases on the ground that the bank has already acquired the premises or entered into an agreement for the same.

Note : Please submit this Annex as also the necessary relevant
documents / sketch, maps etc. in duplicate.

Annex XV

Particulars of branches / Offices where there is a dispute
relating to Acquisition of Premises on Lease / Rental Basis

Name of the Bank :

Annex XVI

Format for reporting to RBI after opening of off-site / mobile ATM without the prior approval of RBI

Appendix – I

A. List of Circulars consolidated in the Master Circular