HomeCirculars › RBI/2005-06/399

State Govt Bodies Can Now Open SB Accounts for Grants

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-06/399 · issued 06 Jun 2006 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI now allows banks to open savings bank accounts for State Government departments/bodies/agencies receiving grants/subsidies for State-sponsored schemes, provided they produce an authorization from the respective State Government department.

What changed

Previously, only Central Government departments/bodies/agencies could open savings bank accounts for grants/subsidies under Central-sponsored schemes. Now, the same facility is extended to State Government entities for State-sponsored schemes, subject to a similar authorization process.

What it means for you

Co-operative banks can now open savings accounts for State Government bodies receiving grants for State schemes, expanding their government business. This simplifies fund management for State-level programs and reduces the need for current accounts, potentially lowering costs for the government. Banks must ensure they obtain and retain the authorization letter from the respective State Government department.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

State and District Central Co-operative Banks, State Government departments/bodies/agencies receiving grants/subsidies for State-sponsored schemes, Bank branch staff handling government account openings

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

What documents do we need from the State Government department to open such an account?

You need a written authorization from the respective State Government department certifying that the department/body/agency is permitted to open a savings bank account. A copy of this authorization must be kept on your records.

Does this circular apply to all types of State Government bodies?

Yes, it applies to State Government departments, bodies, and agencies that receive grants or subsidies for implementation of various programmes or schemes sponsored by the State Government.

Are there any changes to the existing directive for Central Government bodies?

No, the existing provisions for Central Government bodies remain unchanged. This circular only extends the same facility to State Government entities.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #2648: RPCD.CO.RF.BC.No 87/07.38.01/2005-06 — "Opening of Savings Bank Accounts in the Name of Certain Bodies / Organisations" dated June 6, 2006”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2005-06/399 RPCD.CO.RF.BC.No 87/07.38.01/2005-06 June 6, 2006 All State and District Central Co-operative Banks Dear Sir, Opening of savings bank accounts in the name of certain bodies/organisations Please refer to our Circular RPCD No. RF.Dir. BC. 30/07.38.01/2000-01 dated October 17, 2000, permitting banks to open savings bank accounts in the name of Government departments/bodies/agencies in respect of grants/subsidies released for implementation of various programmes/schemes sponsored by the Central Government on production of an authorization to the bank from the respective Government departments certifying that the concerned Government department or body has been permitted to open savings bank account. 2. On a review of the matter, it has now been decided to allow banks to open savings bank accounts in the names of State Government departments/bodies/agencies in respect of grants/subsidies released for implementation of various programmes/schemes sponsored by State Governments on production of an authorization to the bank from the respective Government departments certifying that the concerned Government department or body has been permitted to open savings bank account. Banks should keep on their record a copy of the authorization issued by the respective State Government departments. Accordingly, clause 5 (ii) (g) of our directive RPCD.No.Dir.BC.29/07.38.01/2000-01 dated October 17, 2000 enclosed with our circular under reference, has been amended. 3. An amending directive RPCD.RF.Dir.5516/07.38.01/2005-06 dated June 6, 2006 is enclosed. 4. Please acknowledge receipt to our Regional Office concerned. Yours faithfully, (G.Srinivasan) Chief General Manager RPCD.RF. Dir. 5516/07.38.01 /2005-06 June 6, 2006 Opening of savings bank accounts in the name of certain bodies / organisations In exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 21 and 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (As Applicable to Co-operative Societies) and in modification of its Directive RPCD.No. RF.Dir. BC. 29/07.38.01/2000-01 dated October 17, 2000, the Reserve Bank of India, being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby directs that clause (ii) (g) of paragraph 5 of the aforesaid directive shall be substituted by following with immediate effect. Government departments/bodies/agencies in respect of grants/subsidies released for implementation of various programmes/schemes sponsored by Central Government/State Governments subject to production of an authorization from the respective Central/State Government departments to open savings bank account. All other provisions of the Directive RPCD.No.RF.Dir. BC.53/D.1-87/88 dated November 2, 1987 shall remain unchanged. (V.S.Das) Executive Director
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-06/399 · issued 06 Jun 2006. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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