The Reserve Bank of India issued the Urban Co-operative Banks (Undertaking of Financial Services) Amendment Directions, 2026 under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The amendment modifies the 2025 Directions by adding “AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises” to Annex I, thereby enabling Urban Co-operative Banks to participate in financing agricultural startups and rural enterprises. This change takes immediate effect and aims to strengthen rural credit access, promote agricultural innovation, and enhance financial inclusion. It reflects RBI’s intent to align cooperative banking with development-oriented financial initiatives supporting inclusive economic growth across rural and semi-urban India.
Reserve Bank of India
RBI/2026-27/21
DOR.STR.REC.25/21-04-048/2026-27 | Dated: April 27, 2026
Reserve Bank of India (Urban Co-operative Banks – Undertaking of Financial Services) – Amendment Directions, 2026
Please refer to Reserve Bank of India (Urban Co-operative Banks – Undertaking of Financial Services) Directions, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Directions’).
2. On a review, and in exercise of the powers conferred by section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby issues the Amendment Directions hereinafter specified.
3. The Amendment Directions modifies the Directions as under:
(1) Following shall be added to Annex I:
“2. AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises”
4. The above amendment shall come into force with immediate effect.
(Vaibhav Chaturvedi)
Chief General Manager
