RBI/2008-09/59
UBD.LS (PCB) MC.No. 14/07.01.00/2008-09

July 01, 2008

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.BL (PCB) MC.No.9/07.01.00/2004-05, dated September 1, 2004 on the captioned subject (available at RBI website www.mastercirculars.rbi.org.in). The enclosed Master Circular consolidates and updates all the instructions/guidelines on the subject up to June 30, 2008.

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

Yours faithfully

(Smt. Uma Shankar)
Chief General Manager

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

1. Area of Operation

1.1  Introduction

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-law registered with the Registrar of Co-operative Societies (RCS). Banks are required to seek prior permission (no objection certificate) from the Reserve Bank of India for such revision, where applicable.

1.2 Regulatory Requirements

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

1.2.1.1 Licensed UCBs classified as Grade I by the Reserve Bank, 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.

1.2.1.2 Eligible banks need not approach Reserve Bank 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.

1.2.2 Extension of Area of Operation beyond the adjoining districts and the State of registration

Extension of Area of Operation beyond the adjoining districts and the State of registration is not permitted according to the existing policy.

2. Branch Authoristion Policy

2.1 Introduction

In terms of Annual Policy Statements for the year 2007-08 and 2008-09 it has been decided to liberalise and rationalise the branch authorisation norms for well managed and financially sound UCBs in the States that have signed MoUs with Reserve Bank and those registered under Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. The present policy is given in the following paragraphs:

2.2 Authorisation Policy

2.2.1 Eligibility Criteria

Well managed and financially sound UCBs in the States that have signed MoUs with Reserve Bank and those registered under Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 may submit their proposals for branch expansion based on their Annual Business Plans (ABP) for approvals to the respective Regional Offices of the Urban Banks Department of RBI. ABP will be for a period of twelve months beginning 1st April of the following year. Before applying for allotment of Centres banks should ensure that they satisfy the following mutually exclusive performance / financial parameters:

2.2.1.1 Maintenance of a minimum CRAR of 10% on a continuous basis with minimum owned funds commensurate with entry point capital norms for the centre where branch is proposed. (Entry point norms for various categories of UCBs are given in Annex I)

2.2.1.2 Net NPAs being less than 10%.

2.2.1.3 No default in the maintenance of CRR/SLR during the preceding financial year.

2.2.1.4 Net profit in the immediate preceding financial year and

2.2.1.5 Regulatory comfort based on inter alia, track record of compliance with the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS), RBI Act, 1934 and the instructions/ directions issued by RBI from time to time.

2.2.2 Selection of Centres

UCBs, satisfying the above mentioned norms may prepare an Annual Business Plan (ABP) for opening of branches (including extension counters, up gradation of extension counters into full-fledged branches and setting up of new off site Automated Teller Machines), 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 to VI to the respective Regional Offices of Reserve Bank of India.  For the year 2008-09, the Annual Business Plan may be submitted to RBI preferably by September 2008. From the year 2009-10 onwards, the plan may be submitted preferably by end of December of the previous financial year.

2.2.2.1 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.

2.2.2.2 Scheduled banks which comply with the eligibility norms indicated at paragraph 2.2.1 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.

2.2.2.3 Banks need not indicate the exact address of the proposed branch in the ABP but may only indicate 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.

2.2.2.4 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.

2.2.3 Approval for Centres

The banks which comply with the prescribed norms 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.

2.2.4 Authorisation and its Validity Period

2.2.4.1 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 para 5.1) under section 23 of the B. R. 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.

2.2.4.2 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.

2.2.4.3 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.

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

2.2.6 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.

2.3 Procedural Guidelines for Permission to Open branches

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.

3. Opening of Extension Counters

3.1 Eligibility criteria and application procedure: Eligibility criteria and application procedure for opening of Extension Counters are prescribed in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2.

3.2 Policy Approach: 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 kilo meters 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 VII. 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.

3.3 Norms for Opening of Extension Counters

A bank, which desires to open ECs should comply with the following norms:

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

3.3.2 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.

3.3.3 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.

3.3.4 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.

3.3.5 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 Rs.10.00 lakh only.

3.3.6 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 / upgradation into full-fledged branches.

3.4 Safe deposit locker facility at Extension Counters: The permission to provide the facility of safe deposit lockers may be granted on merit to banks which comply with following criteria :

3.4.1 The bank should have complied with the prescribed capital adequacy norms.

3.4.2 The bank's net NPAs should be less than 7% of its net loans and advances.

3.4.3 The bank should have posted net profit for the last 3 consecutive years.

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.

3.5 Up-gradation of Extension Counters into full fledged branches

3.5.1 Eligibility criteria and application procedure: Eligibility criteria and application procedure for up-gradation of Extension Counters are prescribed in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2.

3.5.2 Up-gradation of EC 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 will be considered for up-gradation into a branch.

3.5.3 Upgradation of the extension counters is permitted after completion of three years of their operation as EC.

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

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

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

3.5.4.3. No new extension counter will be allowed in the institution in which the extension counter is housed presently.

4. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

4.1  On-site ATMs

UCBs that are registered in States, which have entered into MoU with RBI or are registered under the Multi-State Co-op. Societies Act, 2002 and classified in Grades I and II, may set up on-site ATMs without prior approval of the Reserve Bank.

4.2 Off-site ATMs

4.2.1 Eligibility criteria and application procedure: Eligibility criteria and application procedure for opening of off-site ATMs are prescribed in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2.

4.2.2 Following functional facilities may be provided at off-site ATMs :

4.2.2.1 PIN changes

4.2.2.2 Requisition for cheque books

4.2.2.3 Statement of accounts

4.2.2.4 Balance enquiry

4.2.3 Inter-account transfer - restricted to accounts of the same customer at the same centre.

4.2.4 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.

4.2.5 UCBs are free to share / interlink their ATMs with other banks.

4.3 Issue of ATM-cum-Debit Cards by UCBs:

4.3.1 Scheduled and non-scheduled UCBs permitted to have ATMs, both under automatic and approval route, may also issue ATM-cum-Debit Cards.

4.3.2 Banks which are authorized to install on-site / off-site ATMs, as per the policy in force, may introduce ATM-cum-Debit cards with the approval of their Board keeping in view the guidelines as given in Annex VIII.

4.3.3 Issuance of offline debit card is however, not permitted.

4.3.4 The details of the ATM-cum-debit cards introduced may be advised to the Regional Office concerned of the Reserve Bank of India together with a copy each of the agenda note put up to their Board and the resolution passed thereon.

4.3.5 UCBs should not issue ATM-cum- debit cards in tie-up with other non-bank entities.

4.3.6 UCBs may review operations of these cards and put up review notes to their Boards at half yearly intervals, at the end of March and September, every year.

4.3.7 A report on the operations of these cards issued by banks should be forwarded to the Reserve Bank of India, Department of Payment and Settlement Systems with a copy to the Regional Office concerned of Reserve Bank of India on a half yearly basis, say at the end of March and September every year, incorporating information as indicated in Annex  IX.

5. Shifting / Splitting / Closure of Offices

5.1 Shifting of Offices

5.1.1 Licensed UCBs, categorised as Grades I/ II  may shift their place of business, including administrative office, located in the semi-urban areas anywhere within the same town, irrespective of distance vis-a-vis other banks/offices, etc. without prior permission of the Reserve Bank. As regards banks located in urban / metropolitan centers, shifting within the same locality / municipal ward is permitted in respect of licensed UCBs, categorised as Grade I/II without prior permission of the Reserve Bank.

5.1.1.2 A report in the format, as per Annex X 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.

5.1.2 For shifting to a different locality / municipal ward, licensed UCBs, categorised as Grade I/II are required to obtain prior permission and may submit their application as per the format in Annex XI.

5.1.3 Shifting branches from one city to another:

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:

5.1.3.1 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

5.1.3.2 A branch located in underbanked district can be shifted to another centre in underbanked district only.

5.1.3.3.The shifting should be beneficial to the bank in terms of cost and business.

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

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

5.2.1 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-a-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.

5.2.2 A post-facto report to this effect, in the format as mentioned in para 5.1.1.2, should be submitted in duplicate to the Regional Office concerned within one month from the date of shifting.

5.3 Closure of Branches and Extension Counters

UCBs are allowed closure of un-remunerative branches/ ECs without prior    permission of RBI subject to the following conditions :

5.3.1. Bank should not have been placed under any directions under section 35A of the B R Act, 1949 (AACS).

5.3.2 Decision to close down ECs/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.

5.3.3 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.

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

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

5.3.6 Bank should not open extension counter in the same place    after closure of branch/es.

5.3.7 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.

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

6. UCBs categorised as Grade III / IV (shifting, acquisition / surrender of leased premises, etc.)

UCBs, which are categorised as Grade III / IV and not complying with section 11 (1) of B. R. Act, 1949 (AACS), will be, as hitherto, required to obtain prior approval of the Reserve Bank and / or Registrar of Co-operative Societies for :

6.1 Sale of bank's own premises
6.2 Surrender of existing premises taken on lease/rental basis
6.3 Acquisition of new premises on ownership or lease/rental basis
6.4 Shifting of offices/departments as a result of sale of premises/surrender of premises/acquisition of new premises.
6.5 Such banks are required to submit their application in enclosed format given at Annex XII in duplicate to the Regional Office concerned.

7.  Authorisation Policy for salary Earners' Banks :

7.1 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 Grade I SEBs on their fulfilling certain specified norms. SEBs fulfilling the under-noted norms may apply for opening of branches:

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

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

7.1.3 It should comply with the regulatory framework prescribed by RBI.

7.1.4 It should have posted net profits during each of the preceding two years.

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

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

7.1.7 In case a bank desires to open a new branch within its district of registration, its owned funds 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 owned funds should be at least equivalent to the entry point capital norm prescribed for "B" category centre.

7.1.8 SEB desirous to open a branch, outside its district of registration but within the State of registration, should have owned funds 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 in Annex I enclosed to this circular.

7.1.9 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 8 August 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.

8. Submission of wrong information:  It may be carefully noted that in case the information/particulars furnished by a bank is found incorrect, Reserve Bank 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.

9. Resolution of Board of Directors

Decisions regarding opening of extension counters, shifting of offices, splitting of branches, etc. should be taken 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 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.

10. Branch Banking Statistics-Submission of Quarterly Returns -Revision of Proformae I & II

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 Proformae 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 Proformae 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.

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)

(Rs. lakhs)

Name of the bank: 

@ Certificate from the Statutory Auditors to be enclosed

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

Format of authority of the institution in the premises
                                                of which the extension counter is to be opened
                                                -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                             

Date :

1.  We have requested ___________________________________ to open its
                                     (Name of the bank)

extension counter in the premises of ________________________________________
                                                                (Name and full address) of the institution)

_______________________  for the benefit of the following persons attached to the

above institution. @

*  Workers                      ……………………..  )
                                                                     )
*   Staff/Employees            …………………….. ) Please indicate actual
                                                                     ) numbers separately
*   Students                     ……………………... )
                                                                    )
*   Teachers                   ……………………… )

@ (where there are more than one institution being managed by the
authority issuing this letter which are also to be benefited by the
extension counter, the names of these institutions, their distance from
the proposed location of the extension counter, the number of students/
staff, etc. attached separately to each of the institutions, the name and the  
distance of their bankers should also be indicated separately.)
           
*    Strike out whichever is not applicable.

2.  (a)  ______________________________________________________________
                                                   (Name of the bank and place)
is our principal banker.

We also deal with the following bankers (give names of bankers and their distance from the institution)

1. _______________________________________
2. ________________________________________
3. ________________________________________

(b) Extent of our Accounts with the principal banker and other bankers as on
_______________200  .
(latest position please)

                       Name of the bank                       Type of account/s                      Amount
                                                                        Maintained                                Rs. lakh
                        _______________                      ______________                       ________

1.

2.

3.

4.

3. We undertake to provide necessary accommodation for the extension counter within the premises of our institution (mentioned at Sr.No.1 above)

4.  We have no objection to the bank to provide safe deposit lockers and allow outsiders also to have access to the extension counter.

5. If the extension counter is allowed to a bank other than the principal banker, the reasons therefor.

6. Whether a similar letter to any other banker for the purpose has been issued.

(Signature of Competent Authority
on behalf of the institution
mentioning designation and seal,
if any)

Annex –VIII

Guidelines for Issuance of ATM-cum-Debit Cards by UCBs

1.  Coverage

The guidelines apply to the cards encompassing all or any of the following operations :
Electronic payment involving the use of card, in particular at point of sale and such other places where a terminal / device for the use / access of the card is placed.

The withdrawing of bank notes, depositing of bank notes and cheques and connected operations in electronic devices such as cash dispensing machines and ATMs.

2. Cash Withdrawals

No cash transaction, that is, cash withdrawals or deposits should be offered at the Point of Sale, with the ATM-cum-debit cards under any facility, without prior authorization of RBI under Section 23 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

3. Eligibility of Customers

The banks can issue ATM-cum-debit cards to select customers as per their own eligibility criteria subject to compliance with 'Know Your Customer' guidelines. Banks can extend the ATM-cum debit card facility to those having saving bank account / current account / fixed deposit accounts with built-in liquidity features maintained by individuals, corporate bodies and firms. Debit card facility should not be extended to cash credit / loan account holders.

4. Security and other aspects

(a) The bank shall ensure full security of the card.

(b) No bank shall despatch a card to a customer unsolicited, except in the case where the card is a replacement for a card already held by the customer.

(c) Banks shall keep for a sufficient period of time, internal records to enable operations to be traced and errors to be rectified (taking into account the law of limitation for the time barred cases).

(d)  The cardholder shall be provided with a written record of the transaction after he has completed it, either immediately in the form of receipt or within a reasonable period of time in another form such as the customary bank statement.

(e) The cardholder shall bear the loss sustained up to the time of notification to the bank of any loss, theft or copying of the card but only upon a certain limit or fixed amount or a percentage of the transaction agreed upon in advance between the card holder and the bank, except where the card holder acted fraudulently, knowingly or with extreme negligence.

(f) Each bank shall provide means whereby its customers may at any time of the day or night notify the loss, theft or copying of their payment devices.

(g) On receipt of notification of the loss, theft or copying of the card, the bank shall take all action open to it to stop any further use of the card.

5. Terms and Conditions for issue

The relationship between the bank and the card holder shall be contractual. As such :

(a) Each bank shall make available to the cardholders in writing, a set of contractual terms and conditions governing the issue and use of such a card. These terms shall maintain a fair balance between the interests of the parties concerned.

(b) The terms and conditions shall be expressed clearly.

(c) The terms shall specify the basis of any charges, but not necessarily the amount of charges at any point of time.

(d) The terms may be altered by the bank, but sufficient notice of the change shall be given to the cardholder to enable him to withdraw if he so chooses. A period shall be specified after which time the cardholder would be deemed to have accepted the terms if he had not withdrawn during the specified period.

(e) (i) The terms shall put the cardholder under an obligation to take all appropriate steps to keep safe the card and the means (such as PIN or code) which enable it to be used.

(ii) The terms shall put the cardholder under an obligation not to record the PIN or code, in any form that would be intelligible or otherwise accessible to any third party if access is gained to such a record, either honestly or dishonestly.

(iii) The terms shall put the cardholder under an obligation to notify the bank immediately after becoming aware :

of the loss or theft or copying of the card or the means which enable it to be used;

of the recording on the cardholder's account of any unauthorised transaction;

of any error or other irregularity in the maintaining of that account by the bank.

(iv) The terms shall specify a contact point to which such notification can be made and that such notification can be made at any time of the day or night.

(v) The terms shall put the cardholder under an obligation not to countermand an order which he has given by means of his card.

(g) The terms shall specify that the bank shall exercise care when issuing PINs or codes and shall be under an obligation not to disclose the cardholder's PIN or code, except to the cardholders.

(h) The terms shall specify that the bank shall be responsible for direct losses incurred by a cardholder due to a system malfunction directly within the bank's control. However, the bank shall not be held liable for any loss caused by a technical breakdown of the payment system if the breakdown of the system was recognizable for the cardholder by a message on the display of the device or otherwise known. The responsibility of the bank for the non-execution or defective execution of the transaction is limited to the principal sum and the loss of interest subject to the provisions of the law governing the terms

Annex – IX
Reporting Format for the Issue and Operations of ATM-Cum-Debit Cards

1. Name of the Bank-
2. Period of Reporting-
3. Type of the card with hardware components-(IC Chip) eg., Magnetic strip, CPU, Memory-
4. Type of the software used-
5. Security standards followed-
6. Service provider (Self or otherwise)-
7. Total number of outlets where the ATM-cum-debit card can be used of which-

(a)  POS Terminal-
(b) Merchant Establishment-
(c) ATMs-
(d) Others please specify.

8. Total number of cards issued-of which-

(a) against Currant account-
(b) against Savings account-
(c) against Float Account-

9. Total Number of Transactions during the period-
10. Amount involved in the Total Number of Transactions-
11. Instances of frauds, if any, during the period.

(a) No. of frauds-
(b) Amount Involved-
(c) Amount of loss to the bank-
(d) Amount of loss to the card holder

Annex – X
                       
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.

Singature_____________________________

(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 – XI

Information to be furnished by an urban cooperative bank for
obtaining prior approval of Reserve Bank of India for shifting
its office/departments to a different locality/Municipal Ward

Date :                         

                                                                                     Signature _______________________
(Name of the Chief Executive Officer)

Forwarded to

The
Reserve Bank of India
Urban Banks Department
_______________Office

Encls.

* In terms of circular No.UBD.RBL.77/J (Shifting) –85/86 dated February 12, 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 grounds 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 enclosures /documents / sketch maps etc. in duplicate.

Annex XII

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
societies) 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.

Appendix – I

 A.  List of Circulars consolidated in the Master Circular