{"what_this_is":"The machine-readable twin of the BankPulse page for one RBI rulebook. Same points, same dates, same paragraph references as the page a person reads. RBI's own wording is not reproduced here: each point names the RBI paragraph, the character offset into the text BankPulse read and the sha256 of that text, so the claim can be checked against RBI's own document.","schema_version":1,"release_id":"d653cdb0a5","generated_at":"2026-09-15T00:33:59.117975+00:00","id":"md13102","title":"Reserve Bank of India (Payments Banks – Branch Authorisation) Directions, 2025","document_kind":"Directions","page":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102","status":"In force","importance":{"code":"MR","label":"MUST READ","weight":"Must read","why":"Binding RBI Directions naming this institution class in the title","layer":"bankpulse_inference"},"applies_to":{"shown":"Payments banks","class_code":"PB","from":"the document's own title","layer":"bankpulse_inference"},"dates":{"prid":"md13102","mode":"four_dates_v1","published":{"label":"Published","value":"Nov 28, 2025","stated":true,"why":"The day RBI put this document out."},"effective":{"label":"Starts to apply","value":"","stated":false,"why":"Not stated separately in this document. Read the rule itself before you assume a start date."},"transition":{"label":"Time to get ready","value":"","stated":false,"why":"Cannot be worked out until the day it starts to apply is known."},"deadline":{"label":"Last date to act","value":"","stated":false,"why":"No date to act by was found in this document. Other dates may sit inside single paragraphs."},"sources":{"published":"doc_date in data/highlights/md13102.json","effective":"none held","transition":"none held","deadline":"none held"}},"rbi_source":{"url":"https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewMasDirections.aspx?id=13102","document_date":"Nov 28, 2025","read_by_bankpulse":"2026-08-21 16:17:11 UTC","text_sha256":"e0957021991671858a290dc92db474368882d9fda6bd7367d671ab7ce76b417f","word_count":8040,"standing_last_checked":"Standing checked on RBI’s Master Directions index, 15 September 2026, 5:58 am IST."},"counts":{"points_shown":31,"points_naming_an_rbi_paragraph":31,"points_stored":31,"actions":0,"amendments":0},"points":[{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-f8d4001a","page_group":"Chapter I. Preliminary","stored_section":"THE CORE IDEA","heading":"What counts as an outlet","plain_english":"A banking outlet serves customers at a fixed point for at least four hours a day, five days a week.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 4(4)","rbi_char_offset":5040,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p1","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13102-1840df20","page_group":"Chapter I. Preliminary","stored_section":"KEY DATES","heading":"In force at once","plain_english":"These directions came into force with immediate effect.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 2","rbi_char_offset":3573,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p2","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13102-8f2007ff","page_group":"Chapter I. Preliminary","stored_section":"WHO IT APPLIES TO","heading":"Who is covered","plain_english":"These Directions apply to payments banks.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 3","rbi_char_offset":3655,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p3","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13102-f326b986","page_group":"Chapter I. Preliminary","stored_section":"THE CORE IDEA","heading":"Machines are not outlets","plain_english":"ATMs, e-lobbies, cash machines and mobile branches do not count as banking outlets.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 4(4)","rbi_char_offset":6063,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p4","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-606efbed","page_group":"Chapter II. Role of Board of Directors","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Targets match the mission","plain_english":"Internal targets must fit the bank's purpose: serving migrant workers, low income households and small businesses.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 7(1)","rbi_char_offset":8826,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p5","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-f1b39987","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"A quarter for rural centres","plain_english":"At least 25 percent of outlets opened in a year must be in rural centres.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 9","rbi_char_offset":11418,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p6","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13102-2883028c","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Part time counts pro rata","plain_english":"A part time outlet counts in the 25 percent sum in proportion to its hours.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 9","rbi_char_offset":11645,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p7","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13102-a2a92659","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Extra credit carried forward","plain_english":"Outlets opened beyond the requirement carry forward as credit for the next two years.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 10","rbi_char_offset":14847,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p8","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13102-232a85e9","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Moves go down, not up","plain_english":"Outlets may shift only within the same or a smaller population category, never upward.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 16","rbi_char_offset":17449,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p9","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":5,"claim":"md13102-a69ad9d5","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Customers told in time","plain_english":"Customers of an outlet being merged, closed or shifted must be informed well in time.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 15","rbi_char_offset":17067,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p10","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":6,"claim":"md13102-7b0bbac6","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"No customers in back offices","plain_english":"Back offices must have no direct interface with customers.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 22","rbi_char_offset":21117,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p11","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":7,"claim":"md13102-56158ed2","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"THE CORE IDEA","heading":"Ask RBI first, always","plain_english":"Every banking outlet needs RBI's prior authorisation — there is no general permission for payments banks.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 8","rbi_char_offset":10492,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p12","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":8,"claim":"md13102-dac939a7","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Rural closures need consent","plain_english":"Closing, merging or moving a rural or sole semi urban outlet needs the district committee's approval.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 14","rbi_char_offset":16484,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p13","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":9,"claim":"md13102-6e43d735","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Offices need approval too","plain_english":"Administrative offices, back offices and call centres all need RBI's prior approval.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 21","rbi_char_offset":20700,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p14","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":10,"claim":"md13102-215f4c3c","page_group":"Chapter III. Banking Outlet Authorisation","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"ATMs anywhere","plain_english":"The bank may set up ATMs at places it chooses; they are not banking outlets.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 25","rbi_char_offset":22183,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p15","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-974c8c8a","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Agents charge nothing","plain_english":"An agent may never charge the customer directly. Only the bank may levy open, stated charges.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 46","rbi_char_offset":32203,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p16","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13102-6315c11b","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"No internet, no deal","plain_english":"Correspondents cannot do offline transactions; without internet connectivity, no transaction happens.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 49","rbi_char_offset":34124,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p17","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13102-73ecebee","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Thirty days, then Ombudsman","plain_english":"A complainant unanswered for 30 days, or unsatisfied, may approach the RBI Ombudsman.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 53","rbi_char_offset":38922,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":"A complaint reaches the bank on 1 September. If no reply has come by 1 October, that is 30 days. The complainant may then go to the RBI Ombudsman.","anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p18","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13102-55c036a3","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"THE CORE IDEA","heading":"Agents extend the bank","plain_english":"The bank may serve customers through business facilitators and correspondents for wider inclusion.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 33","rbi_char_offset":24164,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p19","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":5,"claim":"md13102-6390f2b9","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Check the agent first","plain_english":"Before taking on an agent, the bank looks at their name, money strength, management and skill with cash.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 36","rbi_char_offset":25682,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p20","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":6,"claim":"md13102-8b66dea8","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"THE CORE IDEA","heading":"The bank answers for agents","plain_english":"The bank is fully responsible for the actions of its correspondents and their outlets.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 39","rbi_char_offset":29167,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p21","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":7,"claim":"md13102-364b6242","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"A fixed help point","plain_english":"A bank employee sits at a known fixed district location to hear grievances and supervise agents.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 51","rbi_char_offset":35609,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p22","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":8,"claim":"md13102-494b1568","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"The help point counts","plain_english":"That fixed location may do banking business and counts as a physical access point for the rural norm.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 51","rbi_char_offset":35919,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p23","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":9,"claim":"md13102-95754578","page_group":"Chapter IV. Business Facilitator / Business Correspondent Model","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Introduced to the village","plain_english":"Bank officials introduce the agent to the public in a meeting with village elders, so nobody is impersonated.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 52","rbi_char_offset":36310,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p24","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-30b3a59f","page_group":"Chapter V. Doorstep Banking","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"No cash by phone","plain_english":"Cash cannot be sent out on a phone request alone.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 65","rbi_char_offset":42360,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p25","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13102-ceef16ec","page_group":"Chapter V. Doorstep Banking","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Agents taught to spot fakes","plain_english":"The bank must teach its agents to detect forged and mutilated notes, to avoid frauds and disputes.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 56","rbi_char_offset":40195,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p26","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13102-50576524","page_group":"Chapter V. Doorstep Banking","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Doorstep banking allowed","plain_english":"The bank may offer doorstep services with board approval, managing the risks and cash limits.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 55","rbi_char_offset":39921,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Board","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p27","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13102-5c0adfa1","page_group":"Chapter V. Doorstep Banking","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Same day or next","plain_english":"Cash collected at the doorstep is credited the same day or the next working day.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 62","rbi_char_offset":41973,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p28","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-b2c1f983","page_group":"Chapter VI. Information Reporting","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Reported within a week","plain_english":"Opening, closing, merging or shifting any outlet is reported through the CISBI portal within one week.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 71(4)","rbi_char_offset":46918,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Compliance","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p29","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13102-3d40633b","page_group":"Chapter VII. Repeal and other Provisions","stored_section":"WHAT IT REPLACES","heading":"Old guidance repealed","plain_english":"The earlier branch authorisation guidance for payments banks stands repealed.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 72","rbi_char_offset":47454,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p30","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13102-1079c38d","page_group":"Chapter VII. Repeal and other Provisions","stored_section":"WHAT IT REPLACES","heading":"Old actions stay governed","plain_english":"Action already taken under the old rules stays governed by them.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 73","rbi_char_offset":47789,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13102#p31","layer":"bankpulse"}],"actions":[],"amendments":[],"layers":{"rbi_source":"Facts taken from RBI's own document.","bankpulse":"BankPulse's plain-English summary of RBI's document.","bankpulse_inference":"BankPulse's own inference, not stated by RBI."},"rbi_wording_not_included":"By design. BankPulse never republishes RBI's exact sentences. Use rbi_paragraph with rbi_source.url to read RBI's own words.","terms":"BankPulse's plain-English summaries are BankPulse's own work. The underlying regulation is the Reserve Bank of India's. Always check the RBI document named in rbi_source before acting."}