The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope of the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 (the Scheme) to include State Co-operative Banks and Central Co-operative Banks. This decision, effective from November 01, 2025, follows an announcement made in the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated October 01, 2025, and is implemented under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. With this inclusion, the Scheme now covers a broader range of regulated entities. These include all Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and both State and Central Co-operative Banks. Additionally, Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks with deposits of crore and above are covered. The Scheme also applies to Non-Banking Financial Companies (excluding Housing Finance Companies) with an asset size of crore and above that accept deposits or have a customer interface. Finally, it covers all System Participants as defined under the Scheme and Credit Information Companies.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
Date : Oct 07, 2025
Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 – Inclusion of State Co-operative Banks and Central Co-operative Banks
In pursuance of the announcement made in the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated October 01, 2025, the Reserve Bank has, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, issued a Notification to bring State Co-operative Banks and Central Co-operative Banks under the ambit of the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 (the Scheme), with effect from November 01, 2025.
2. With this enhancement, the Scheme shall cover the following regulated entities:
a. All Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, State Co-operative Banks, Central Co-operative Banks, Scheduled Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, and Non-Scheduled Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks with deposits size of ₹50 crore and above as on the date of the audited balance sheet of the previous financial year.
b. All Non-Banking Financial Companies (excluding Housing Finance Companies) which (a) are authorised to accept deposits; or (b) have customer interface, with an assets size of ₹100 crore and above as on the date of the audited balance sheet of the previous financial year.
c. All System Participants as defined under the Scheme.
d. Credit Information Companies.
Brij Raj)
Chief General Manager
Press Release: 2025-2026/1256
