What changed
The list of minority-concentrated districts for credit monitoring has been expanded from 103 to 121, with 18 new districts added based on a Government of India communication. The revised Annexure I replaces the earlier list for half-yearly reporting on lending to minority communities.
What it means for you
Banks must now extend their monitoring and reporting framework to cover the additional 18 districts, ensuring equitable credit access for minorities within priority sector targets. This aligns with the Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme, requiring adjustments in branch-level targets and project location planning.
What you must do
- Update internal monitoring lists to include all 121 minority-concentrated districts.
- Issue instructions to controlling and branch offices to track credit flow to minorities in these districts.
- Revise half-yearly reporting formats to reflect the expanded district list.
- Align priority sector lending targets and development project locations with the updated district list.
Who it affects
All scheduled commercial banks, Controlling offices and branch offices, Priority sector lending teams, Compliance and reporting departments
Which districts are newly added?
The 18 new districts include Leh (Ladakh), West Garo Hills, Lawngtlai, Mamit, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Paschim Champaran, Ranchi, Gulbarga, Bulandshahar, Shahjahanpur, Badaun, Barabanki, Kheri, Lucknow, Koch Bihar, Kolkata, and Barddhaman.
How should banks report on these districts?
Banks must submit half-yearly reports using the revised Annexure I, covering all 121 districts, to demonstrate equitable credit flow to minority communities within priority sector targets.
What is the deadline for implementation?
The circular was issued on July 16, 2007, and banks were required to acknowledge receipt and urgently advise on actions initiated.