HomeCirculars › RBI/2012-13/229

SLR Reduced to 23% for Local Area Banks

Live · in forceNo withdrawal recorded as of 20 Jun 2026. Reviewed by Vikram Jain; always verify against the official RBI source below.
Issued by RBI: 28 Sep 2012  ·  Decoded by BankPulse: 19 Jun 2026, 23:56 IST
⏱ ~1 min read
📄 Official RBI source ↗
Quick answerRBI cut the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) for Local Area Banks from 25% to 23% of NDTL, effective August 11, 2012. This frees up funds for lending or investment.

What changed

The SLR requirement for Local Area Banks was lowered from 25% to 23% of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL). The change took effect from the fortnight beginning August 11, 2012, as per a notification dated September 28, 2012.

What it means for you

Local Area Banks now need to hold fewer government-approved securities, releasing liquidity for credit expansion or other investments. This can improve their lending capacity and profitability, but they must still meet the statutory minimum.

What you must do

Who it affects

All Local Area Banks in India

When did the SLR reduction become effective?

The new SLR of 23% applies from the fortnight beginning August 11, 2012.

What was the previous SLR for Local Area Banks?

The earlier SLR was 25% of NDTL, as per the November 2009 circular.

Does this change affect other bank categories?

No, this circular is specifically for Local Area Banks only.

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AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · decoded & published by BankPulse · 19 Jun 2026, 23:56 IST
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=7596&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by Vikram Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; never reproduces RBI text verbatim.