HomeCirculars › RBI/2013-14/245

RRBs: Simplify Deceased Depositor Claim Forms on Website

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2013-14/245 · issued 10 Sep 2013 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI directs RRBs to strictly follow simplified procedures for settling deceased depositor claims and to prominently place claim forms on their websites for easy download, reducing the need for claimants to visit branches.

What changed

RBI reiterated that RRBs must comply with the 2005 simplified procedure for deceased depositor claims, responding to public feedback that banks were not following it. Additionally, RRBs are now required to provide claim forms to any person approaching the bank and to upload these forms prominently on their websites for easy access.

What it means for you

RRBs must ensure hassle-free settlement of deceased depositor claims by strictly adhering to the simplified procedure. Placing claim forms online reduces branch visits for grieving families, improving customer experience and operational efficiency. Non-compliance may invite regulatory scrutiny.

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

All Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), RRB branches and staff handling deceased depositor claims, Claimants (nominees/legal heirs) of deceased depositors

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

What is the simplified procedure for deceased depositor claims mentioned in the circular?

The circular references a 2005 directive (RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.22/03.05.33/2005-06) that specifies a simplified procedure for settling claims of deceased depositors. RRBs must follow that procedure strictly.

Do we need to put claim forms on our website immediately?

Yes, the circular advises RRBs to place claim forms prominently on their websites so claimants can download them without visiting a branch.

What should we do if a claimant asks for a form at the branch?

You must provide the claim form to any person approaching the bank or branch for it, as per 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 #1030: RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.No.33/03.05.33/2013-14 — "Settlement of Claims of Deceased Depositor - Simplification of Procedure - Placing of Claim Forms on Bank's Website" ”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2013-14/245 RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.No. 33/03.05.33 /2013-14 September 10, 2013 The Chairmen All Regional Rural Banks Dear Sir/Madam, Settlement of Claims of Deceased Depositor – Simplification of Procedure – Placing of claim forms on bank’s website Please refer to circular RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.22/03.05.33/2005-06 dated July 19, 2005 and wherein simplified procedure has been specified for settlement of claims of deceased depositors. We have been receiving feedback from public that banks are not following the simplified procedure as advised in the circular. RRBs are therefore, advised once again that they should strictly comply with the instructions contained therein for hassle-free settlement of claims on the death of a depositor. 2. Further, with a view to facilitate timely settlement of claims on the death of a depositor, RRBs are advised to provide claim forms for settlement of claims of the deceased accounts, to any person/s who is/are approaching the bank / branches for forms. Claim forms may also be put on the bank’s website prominently so that claimants of the deceased depositor can access and download the forms without having to visit the concerned bank/branch for obtaining such forms for filing claim with the bank. 3. Please acknowledge receipt to our Regional Office concerned. Yours faithfully, (A.Udgata) Principal Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2013-14/245 · issued 10 Sep 2013. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=8400&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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