NBFCs must not discriminate against disabled loan applicants
Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2010-11/143 · issued 27 Jul 2010 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI directs all NBFCs to stop discriminating against physically or visually challenged persons in loan offerings. Branches must actively assist such applicants. This follows a reported case of discrimination.
The rule, in the simplest words
NBFCs must not discriminate against physically or visually challenged loan applicants.
Branches must actively assist such applicants.
No disability-based discrimination in extending loan facilities or other products.
How it plays out — a real example
Rahul, an NBFC compliance officer in Indore, ensured that a visually challenged customer was assisted throughout the loan application process, providing extra support and accommodations as needed. He made sure the customer felt comfortable and confident in their ability to apply for a loan, following the RBI's directive to provide full assistance to such persons.
What changed
RBI issued a directive to all NBFCs after a complaint of discrimination against physically/visually challenged loan applicants. The circular explicitly prohibits any disability-based discrimination in extending loan facilities or other products. NBFCs are also instructed to ensure branches provide full assistance to such persons.
What it means for you
NBFCs must ensure no discrimination against physically/visually challenged persons in extending products and facilities including loans. Branches should render all possible assistance to such persons.
What you must do
Advise branches to render all possible assistance to physically/visually challenged persons for availing business facilities.
Ensure no discrimination in extending products and facilities including loans on grounds of disability.
Who it affects
All NBFCs, NBFC branch staff, Physically and visually challenged loan applicants
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
Does this circular apply to all types of loans offered by NBFCs?
Yes, the directive covers all products and facilities including loan facilities offered by NBFCs. No disability-based discrimination is permitted.
What kind of assistance must NBFCs provide to disabled applicants?
Branches must render all possible assistance to help such persons avail of the various business facilities. The circular does not specify exact forms of assistance.
What happens if an NBFC is found discriminating?
The circular does not specify penalties. However, non-compliance with RBI directives may lead to regulatory action.
📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
RBI’s words: “In continuation to the above, NBFCs are advised that they may include a suitable module”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2010-11/143
DNBS.CC.PD.No. 191/03.10.01/2010-11
July 27, 2010
To
All NBFCs
Dear Sir,
Loan facilities to the physically / visually challenged by NBFCs
It has been brought to our notice that a NBFC has discriminated against physically / visually challenged persons in the matter of offering loans.
2. NBFCs are therefore advised that there shall be no discrimination in extending products and facilities including loan facilities to the physically / visually challenged applicants on grounds of disability. NBFCs may also advise their branches to render all possible assistance to such persons for availing of the various business facilities.
Yours sincerely
(Uma Subramaniam)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2010-11/143 · issued 27 Jul 2010. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Advise branches to render all possible assistance to physically/visually challenged persons for availing business facilities.
📜 Compliance
Ensure no discrimination in extending products and facilities including loans on grounds of disability.
Grouped from the action items above — a single circular may involve more than one team.
Worked example & action-note template
Example: if you are a Branch Manager at a bank this circular applies to (All NBFCs, NBFC branch staff, Physically and visually challenged loan applicants), your first concrete step on “NBFCs must not discriminate against disabled loan applicants” is: “Advise branches to render all possible assistance to physically/visually challenged persons for availing business facilities.” (RBI issued this 27 Jul 2010).
Circular: RBI/2010-11/143 -- NBFCs must not discriminate against disabled loan applicants
Issued: 27 Jul 2010
Action required: Advise branches to render all possible assistance to physically/visually challenged persons for availing business facilities.
Action required: Ensure no discrimination in extending products and facilities including loans on grounds of disability.
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.
💬 Banker Discussion
Discuss this circular with fellow bankers — reply, upvote what helps, report what doesn’t belong. Be professional; no client data. Views are the commenter’s own, not BankPulse’s.
BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=5909&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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