HomeCirculars › RBI/2013-14/371

UCBs Allowed as PAN Service Agents via UTIITSL Tie-up

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2013-14/371 · issued 14 Nov 2013 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI permits only financially sound and well-managed Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks to act as PAN Service Agents by tying up with UTIITSL, subject to prior regulatory approval. Banks must ensure timely, accurate application processing to avoid penalties.

What changed

RBI has now formally allowed UCBs to offer PAN issuance services to customers through a tie-up with UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Ltd. Only those UCBs classified as 'Financially Sound and Well Managed' as per the October 1, 2013 circular are eligible. Prior approval from the concerned Regional Office is mandatory before commencing the activity.

What it means for you

This opens a new fee-based service line for eligible UCBs, potentially enhancing customer stickiness and non-interest income. However, banks must be vigilant about application quality and turnaround times, as UTIITSL can impose penalties for errors or delays. The regulatory filter ensures only stronger UCBs take on this responsibility, reducing operational risk.

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

Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Ltd, Customers of eligible UCBs seeking PAN issuance services

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

Which UCBs are eligible to become PAN Service Agents?

Only those Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks that are classified as 'Financially Sound and Well Managed' as per RBI circular UBD.CO.LS.(PCB).Cir.No.24/07.01.000/2013-14 dated October 1, 2013 are eligible.

What happens if a UCB makes errors in PAN applications?

UTIITSL may impose penalties on the UCB for violations such as delayed forwarding, incomplete applications, or discrepancies in documents. Banks must exercise due care to avoid such penalties.

Can a UCB start PSA activity without RBI approval?

No. Prior approval from the concerned Regional Office of RBI is mandatory, even if the bank has already signed an agreement with UTIITSL. The bank must approach the Regional Office to complete formalities.

📜 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 #993: UBD.CO.BPD.(PCB).Cir.No.38/13.05.000/2013-14 — "Undertaking of Activity by the UCBs as PAN Service Agent (PSA) for providing PAN issuance Services to its Custo”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2013-14/371 UBD.CO.BPD.(PCB) Cir No. 38/13.05.000/2013-14 November 14, 2013 The Chief Executive Officers All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks Madam / Dear Sir, Undertaking of activity by the UCBs as PAN Service Agent (PSA) for providing PAN issuance services to its customers by entering into tie-up with UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Ltd (UTIITSL) We have been receiving requests from UCBs to allow them to undertake the activity of providing PAN issuance services to its customers by entering into a tie-up with UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Ltd (UTIITSL). 2. Considering the responsibilities associated with the activity, it has been decided to permit only Financially Sound and Well Managed UCBs as defined in our circular UBD.CO.LS.(PCB). Cir.No.24/07.01.000/2013-14 dated October 1, 2013 to act as PAN Service Agent (PSA) by entering into a tie-up with UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Ltd with prior approval of the Bank. 3. UCBs undertaking PSA activity should however, exercise due care, as violations such as delay in forwarding the applications to processing centres of UTIITSL, incomplete applications, insufficient/discrepancy in enclosed documentary proof/applications etc may result in imposition of penalty by the UTIITSL. 4. In case any UCB has already signed an agreement or has planned to engage in the activity of providing PAN issuance services to its customers by entering into a tie-up with UTIITSL, it may approach the concerned Regional Office of the Bank for completion of required formalities/ obtention of regulatory approval, subject to fulfilling the prescribed criteria. Yours faithfully, (P K Arora) General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2013-14/371 · issued 14 Nov 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=8573&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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