HomeCirculars › RBI/2007-2008/124

UCBs: New Rules for Shifting Branches Between Cities

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2007-2008/124 · issued 28 Aug 2007 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI now allows UCBs (excluding unit banks, unlicensed, Grade III/IV, or non-compliant banks) to shift branches between cities within the same state, provided the new centre has the same or lower population group and, if from an underbanked district, moves to another underbanked district. Prior RBI approval is required.

What changed

Previously, UCBs could only shift offices within the same town or locality without prior permission, with inter-city shifts requiring case-by-case approval. Now, RBI has formalized a policy allowing UCBs (except unit banks and those unlicensed or Grade III/IV) to shift branches from one city to another within the same state, subject to population group and underbanked district conditions.

What it means for you

This gives UCBs more flexibility to optimize their branch network by relocating to more viable locations within their state, potentially improving cost efficiency and business performance. However, banks must ensure the new centre matches the population group of the old one and, for underbanked districts, stays within such districts. Non-compliant or weak banks remain restricted.

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

All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs) excluding unit banks, unlicensed, Grade III/IV, or non-compliant banks, UCBs with branches in semi-urban, urban, or metropolitan centres, UCBs considering branch rationalization within their state

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

Can a UCB shift a branch from a city in one state to a city in another state?

No, the circular only permits shifting within the same state. Inter-state shifts are not covered.

What if my UCB is unlicensed or categorized as Grade III/IV?

Such banks are not eligible for this facility. They must continue to seek prior RBI permission for any office shift.

What does 'same or lower population group' mean?

Population groups are classified by RBI (e.g., A, B, C, D centres). A branch can only be shifted to a centre with the same or lower classification, e.g., from a 'D' centre to another 'D' centre only.

Are unit banks eligible for this facility?

No, the circular explicitly excludes unit banks from this facility.

📜 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 #2353: UBD.CO.LS.Cir.No.10/07.01.000/2007-08 — "Shifting of Offices" dated August 28, 2007”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2007-2008/124 UBD.CO.LS. Cir. No.10/07.01.000/2007-08 August 28, 2007 To The Chief Executive Officer of All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks Dear Sir/Madam, Shifting of offices Please refer to our Master circular No.UBD.BL (PCB) MC.No.9/07.01.000/2004-05 dated September 1, 2004 on Area of Operation, Branch Licensing, opening/Upgradation of Extension Counters, ATMs and Shifting /Splitting/Closure of Offices.   In terms of para 5.2 of the circular, UCBs, other than those unlicensed and categorized as Grade III/IV and not complying with Section 11 (1) of B.R. Act, 1949 (AACS), may shift their place of business, including administrative office, located in the semi-urban areas anywhere within the same town, irrespective of distance vis-à-vis other banks/offices, etc. without prior permission of the Reserve Bank.  As regards banks located in urban/metropolitan centres, shifting within the same locality/municipal ward is permitted in respect of banks, other than those unlicensed and categorized as Grade III/IV and not complying with Section 11 (1) of the B.R. Act, 1949 (AACS), without prior permission of the Reserve Bank.  But for shifting to a different locality/municipal ward, banks are required to obtain our prior permission. 2. We have been receiving representations to consider granting permission to UCBs to shift their branches from one city to another in their area of operation.  It has now been decided to consider requests from UCBs (other than Unit banks) to shift their branches from one city to another in their area of operation within the same State subject to the following conditions: i) The new centre is of the same or lower population group as the existing centre e.g. a branch at a 'D' centre can be shifted to another 'D' centre only; and ii) A branch located in underbanked district can be shifted to another centre in underbanked district only. iii) The shifting should be beneficial to the bank in terms of cost and business. 3. Banks are advised to submit their applications in this regard to the Regional Office of Urban Banks Department in whose jurisdiction the Head Office of the bank is situated. 4. Please acknowledge receipt to our Regional Office concerned. Yours faithfully (K.P.V. Karunakaran) General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2007-2008/124 · issued 28 Aug 2007. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=3785&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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