The Reserve Bank of India issued the Local Area Banks (Miscellaneous) Amendment Directions, 2026, under Sections 26A and 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 in public interest. The amendment updates the 2025 Directions by adding “AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises” to Annex XII. This inclusion expands the regulatory framework to support agricultural startups and rural enterprises through Local Area Banks. The amendment took immediate effect, signaling a policy push toward rural financing and innovation, and encouraging banks to align with development-focused financial initiatives.
Reserve Bank of India
RBI/2026-27/15
DOR.STR.REC.28/21-04-048/2026-27 | Dated: April 27, 2026
Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks – Miscellaneous) – Amendment Directions, 2026
Please refer to Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks – Miscellaneous) Directions, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Directions’).
2. On a review, and in exercise of the powers conferred by the section 26A and 35A 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 XII:
“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
