RBI's own words: “Please refer to our Master Circular No RBI/2010-11/36 dated July 1, 2010” — RBI/2011-12/95
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2010-11/36 · issued 01 Jul 2010 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI consolidated rules for agency banks on broker enrollment, delisting, and brokerage payment for Relief/Savings Bonds. Key updates: simple broker registration, no RBI name use by sub-agents, 1% brokerage rate, no TDS, 30-day claim settlement, and monthly ECS payments.
The rule, in the simplest words
Banks must use a simple sign-up process for brokers: just a letter and business info, then give them a code.
If a bank hires another bank as a helper, the first bank is fully responsible for that helper's actions, and the helper cannot say RBI hired them.
Brokers get Re. 1 for every Rs. 100 invested through them, but not if they invest their own money.
Banks do not have to cut tax (TDS) when paying brokerage for these bonds.
Banks must pay brokers within 30 days of the investment, and can ask RBI for the money back after paying.
How it plays out — a real example
Rajesh, a branch manager at an agency bank, receives a broker enrollment request on letterhead. He assigns a broker code and later ensures the broker's sub-agent doesn't display 'RBI-appointed' on its billboard. When a client invests Rs. 50,000 through the broker, Rajesh pays Rs. 500 brokerage within 30 days via ECS, then claims reimbursement from RBI's CAS Nagpur.
What changed
RBI issued a master circular updating previous instructions as of June 30, 2010, consolidating all operative guidelines on broker appointment, delisting, and brokerage for Relief/Savings Bonds. No new policy changes were introduced; it merely compiled existing circulars for easier reference.
What it means for you
Agency banks must follow a simple enrollment process for brokers, allotting a unique code. Banks are solely liable for sub-agents' actions and must not let them use RBI's name. Brokerage is fixed at 1% per Rs.100, with no TDS, and must be settled within 30 days, preferably via monthly ECS credits.
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
Enroll brokers using a simple procedure on their letterhead and assign a unique broker code.
Ensure sub-agents do not use RBI's name in publicity; you are fully responsible for their conduct.
Pay brokerage at 1% per Rs.100 on valid applications, excluding cases where the broker is an investor.
Settle brokerage claims within 30 days of subscription and seek reimbursement from RBI only after payment.
Implement monthly ECS payments to brokers upon receiving their mandate.
Who it affects
Agency banks (SBI, associates, nationalized banks, Axis, ICICI, IDBI, HDFC, Stock Holding Corporation), Brokers registered for Relief/Savings Bonds, Sub-agents appointed by agency banks
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2010-11/36 · issued 01 Jul 2010. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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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=5775&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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