What changed
The Government of Assam merged Biswanath, Hojai, and Bajali districts back into their original undivided districts of Sonitpur, Nagaon, and Barpeta respectively, effective December 31, 2022. RBI has now clarified that the lead bank responsibility for these undivided districts remains unchanged, with UCO Bank handling Sonitpur (including Biswanath) and Barpeta (including Bajali), and Punjab National Bank handling Nagaon (including Hojai).
What it means for you
For banks operating in Assam, this means no new lead bank assignments or disruptions in district-level coordination. The existing lead banks must continue their financial inclusion, credit planning, and developmental roles across the expanded district boundaries. Other districts' lead bank arrangements remain unaffected, ensuring stability in rural banking operations.
What you must do
- Update internal records to reflect merged district boundaries for lead bank reporting and SLBC coordination.
- Ensure branch-level staff in merged areas align with the original undivided district's lead bank for data submission and compliance.
- Communicate the unchanged lead bank responsibility to all stakeholders, including district administration and partner banks.
Who it affects
Lead banks in Assam (UCO Bank, Punjab National Bank), Banks with branches in Sonitpur, Nagaon, and Barpeta districts, State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) Assam
Which districts are affected by this merger?
Biswanath merged into Sonitpur, Hojai into Nagaon, and Bajali into Barpeta. Only these three districts are impacted.
Do lead banks change for any district in Assam?
No. The existing lead banks—UCO Bank for Sonitpur and Barpeta, and Punjab National Bank for Nagaon—continue with the same responsibility for the undivided districts including merged areas.
What should banks do if they have branches in the merged districts?
Continue reporting and coordinating with the lead bank of the original undivided district. No new lead bank assignment is needed.