The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on April 27, 2026, issued the Reserve Bank of India (Urban Co-operative Banks – Undertaking of Financial Services) Amendment Directions, 2026, amending the 2025 Directions under powers conferred by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The amendment introduces “AgriSURE - Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises” in Annex I of the Directions, thereby expanding the scope of permissible financial services/activities for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). This enables UCBs to participate in initiatives aimed at supporting agricultural startups and rural enterprise development.
The Directions have been made effective immediately, strengthening institutional support for agri-focused innovation and rural financing through the UCB framework.
[Notification No. RBI/2026-27/21]
