The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on November 28, 2025, issued the Reserve Bank of India (Regional Rural Banks - Branch Authorisation) Directions, 2025.
The following has been stated: -
•The RBI (Regional Rural Banks – Branch Authorisation) Directions, 2025, empower RRBs to open, shift, merge, or close branches under a structured framework promoting financial inclusion.
•Banks must ensure that at least 25% of new outlets are in Unbanked Rural Centres (URCs) and maintain oversight through Board-approved policies and regular monitoring.
•Approvals are routed via the RBI’s Pravaah portal, with specific norms for Tier 1–6 centres, administrative/back offices, and Business Correspondent operations.
•The Directions aim to enhance rural outreach, service continuity, and regulatory compliance.
•These directions shall come into effect from November 28, 2025.
[Notification No.: RBI/DOR/2025-26/247 DOR.LIC.REC.No.166/22-00-001/2025-26]
