The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the draft relief measures on January 27, 2026, for areas affected by Natural Calamities.
The following draft Directions are being issued for public comments.
• Commercial Banks - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• Small Finance Banks - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• Local Area Banks - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• Urban Co-operative Banks - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• Regional Rural Banks - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• Rural Co-operative Banks - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• Non-Banking Financial Companies - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
• All India Financial Institutions - Relief Measures in areas affected by Natural Calamities
The draft guidelines propose a principle-based, flexible resolution framework allowing regulated entities to design relief measures for borrowers affected by natural calamities, covering Standard/SMA-0 accounts as on the date of the event. The framework provides time-bound windows for invocation and implementation, allows such restructured accounts to remain Standard with lower provisioning, and requires banks to ensure continuity of banking services in affected areas.
The guidelines will come into force from April 01, 2026.
The public and stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft guidelines by February 17, 2026.
[Press release id: 2025-2026/1996]
