HomeCirculars › RBI/2008-09/430

Nomination Acknowledgment and Recording for Co-op Banks

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2008-09/430 · issued 13 Apr 2009 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI mandates StCBs/DCCBs to strictly acknowledge all nomination forms and record 'Nomination Registered' on passbooks/FDRs. Banks must give written acknowledgment to every depositor/locker hirer, even if not requested, and indicate the nominee's name if the customer agrees.

What changed

RBI observed that some co-operative banks fail to provide written acknowledgment for nomination forms as required under the Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985. The circular reinforces the existing rules, requiring banks to implement a proper system for acknowledging nominations, cancellations, or variations, and to record the nomination status on passbooks and term deposit receipts.

What it means for you

Co-operative banks must now ensure strict compliance with nomination rules, including mandatory acknowledgment for all customers. This reduces legal ambiguity for depositors' families in case of death and enhances transparency. Banks need to update their systems to print 'Nomination Registered' on passbooks and FDRs, and optionally display the nominee's name with customer consent.

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 Co-operative Banks (StCBs), District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs), Depositors and locker hirers of co-operative banks

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

Is it mandatory to give acknowledgment for nomination even if the customer doesn't ask for it?

Yes, RBI directs banks to give written acknowledgment to all customers irrespective of demand, as per the Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985.

Can we refuse to print the nominee's name on the passbook?

The circular advises banks to indicate the nominee's name only if the customer is agreeable. If the customer does not consent, you are not required to print it.

What should we do if our current system doesn't print 'Nomination Registered' on passbooks?

You must upgrade your system to record and display the nomination status on passbooks and FDRs. This is a compliance requirement effective from the date of the circular.

📜 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 #1956: RPCD.CO.RF.BC.No.96/07.38.01/2008-09 — "Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985 - Acknowledgement of Nomination and Indicating the Name of the Nominee in ”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
As you may be aware, in terms of Rule 2(9), 3(8) and 4(9) of the Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985, banks are required to acknowledge in writing to the depositor(s) / locker hirer (s) the filing of the relevant duly completed Form of nomination, cancellation and / or variation of the nomination. It has, however, been brought to our notice that some banks do not comply with the requirement. Further, in some banks, although there is a system of acknowledgement of nomination as provided in the Savings Bank account opening form, such acknowledgements are actually not being given to the customers. 2. Banks are, therefore, advised to strictly comply with the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS) and Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985 and devise a proper system of acknowledging the receipt of the duly completed form of nomination, cancellation and / or variation of the nomination. Such acknowledgement should be given to all customers irrespective of whether the same is demanded by the customers or not. 3. When a bank account holder has availed himself / herself of nomination facility, the same may be indicated on the passbook so that, in case of death of the account holder, the relatives can know from the pass book that the nomination facility has been availed of by the deceased depositor and take suitable action. Banks may, accordingly, introduce the practice of recording on the face of the passbook the position regarding availment of nomination facility with the legend "Nomination Registered". This may be done in the case of term deposit receipts also. 4. In addition, banks are also advised to indicate the name of the Nominee in the Pass Books / Statement of Accounts / FDRs, in case the customer is agreeable to the same , as this would be helpful to the customers/ nominees.
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2008-09/430 · issued 13 Apr 2009. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Topics: Co-operative Banks
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=4922&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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