{"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":"md13603","title":"Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks – Miscellaneous) Supervisory Directions, 2026","document_kind":"Directions","page":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603","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":"Local area banks","class_code":"LAB","from":"the document's own title","layer":"bankpulse_inference"},"dates":{"prid":"md13603","mode":"four_dates_v1","published":{"label":"Published","value":"Jul 31, 2026","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/md13603.json","effective":"none held","transition":"none held","deadline":"none held"}},"rbi_source":{"url":"https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewMasDirections.aspx?id=13603","document_date":"Jul 31, 2026","read_by_bankpulse":"2026-08-21 16:25:06 UTC","text_sha256":"721e71b5010dd44dcf385b6284df3ed30d7b085e0fd3836faf6fd5ca014145e3","word_count":8031,"standing_last_checked":"Standing checked on RBI’s Master Directions index, 15 September 2026, 5:58 am IST."},"counts":{"points_shown":36,"points_naming_an_rbi_paragraph":36,"points_stored":36,"actions":0,"amendments":1},"points":[{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-2b9d5cad","page_group":"Opening paragraphs","stored_section":"THE CORE IDEA","heading":"One supervisory rulebook","plain_english":"This book holds RBI's mixed supervisory rules for local area banks in one place.","rbi_paragraph":"Opening paragraphs","rbi_char_offset":3582,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p1","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-9db77ee8","page_group":"Chapter I. Preliminary","stored_section":"KEY DATES","heading":"Start date","plain_english":"These rules took effect the day RBI issued them.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 2","rbi_char_offset":3817,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":"There is no gap here between issue and effect. The Directions come into effect immediately upon issuance. A bank cannot wait for a separate start date, because there is none.","anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p2","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-e5a7c7ba","page_group":"Chapter I. Preliminary","stored_section":"WHO IT APPLIES TO","heading":"Who is covered","plain_english":"These rules apply to every local area bank.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 3","rbi_char_offset":3904,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p3","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-b78e1371","page_group":"Chapter II. Fair Practices Code - Charging of Interest","stored_section":"IMPACT","heading":"RBI calls this serious","plain_english":"Non-standard ways of charging interest are not fair or open, and RBI treats them as a serious matter.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 7","rbi_char_offset":9939,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p4","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-d06c3d99","page_group":"Chapter II. Fair Practices Code - Charging of Interest","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Pay out by transfer","plain_english":"A bank may pay out a loan by online transfer instead of a cheque.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 8","rbi_char_offset":10162,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Technology","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p5","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-a296ca52","page_group":"Chapter III. Inoperative Accounts / Unclaimed Deposits","stored_section":"KEY DATES","heading":"Report every quarter","plain_english":"Progress goes to RBI's Senior Supervisory Manager every quarter through the DAKSH portal.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 14","rbi_char_offset":11737,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"Compliance","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p6","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-049a9543","page_group":"Chapter III. Inoperative Accounts / Unclaimed Deposits","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Cut the dormant accounts","plain_english":"A bank must work to reduce dormant accounts and those waiting for a KYC update.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 9","rbi_char_offset":10293,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p7","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13603-6e6e577e","page_group":"Chapter III. Inoperative Accounts / Unclaimed Deposits","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Be kind to scheme accounts","plain_english":"Accounts of government benefit scheme users should be revived with an understanding view.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 10","rbi_char_offset":10843,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p8","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13603-bf3ff667","page_group":"Chapter III. Inoperative Accounts / Unclaimed Deposits","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"The board watches this","plain_english":"The Customer Service Committee of the board must watch the progress on dormant accounts.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 13","rbi_char_offset":11527,"weight":"DO IT","role":"Board","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p9","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":5,"claim":"md13603-d4b9ffae","page_group":"Chapter III. Inoperative Accounts / Unclaimed Deposits","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Run special camps","plain_english":"A bank may hold special camps to help revive dormant accounts and finish KYC updates.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 11","rbi_char_offset":11255,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p10","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":6,"claim":"md13603-92f3d2c6","page_group":"Chapter III. Inoperative Accounts / Unclaimed Deposits","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Help with Aadhaar","plain_english":"A bank may help its customers update Aadhaar at branches that offer that service.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 12","rbi_char_offset":11402,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p11","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-6ea2aa21","page_group":"Chapter IV. Fraud Prevention Measures","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Stop staff collusion","plain_english":"To stop fraud by staff acting together, a bank must balance its books at set times.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 15","rbi_char_offset":12636,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p12","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-7b893f4b","page_group":"Chapter IV. Fraud Prevention Measures","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Store the ledgers well","plain_english":"Ledgers, books of account, voucher bundles and stationery must be stored properly.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 23","rbi_char_offset":15768,"weight":"DO IT","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p13","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13603-ce98215d","page_group":"Chapter IV. Fraud Prevention Measures","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Declare your own account","plain_english":"A staff member must say in writing if he opens an account at another branch or bank.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 24","rbi_char_offset":15919,"weight":"DO IT","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p14","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13603-2fcd1484","page_group":"Chapter IV. Fraud Prevention Measures","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Keep the safeguards","plain_english":"Proper records, dual control, regular balancing and control returns are all required.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 20","rbi_char_offset":15084,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p15","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":5,"claim":"md13603-85395c1f","page_group":"Chapter IV. Fraud Prevention Measures","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Blank drafts are valuables","plain_english":"Blank drafts, pay orders and mail transfer forms are security items, held in joint custody and counted daily.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 21","rbi_char_offset":15281,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p16","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":6,"claim":"md13603-8729a605","page_group":"Chapter IV. Fraud Prevention Measures","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Lock away the forms","plain_english":"No one without authority may reach blank cheques, drafts, deposit receipts or signature cards.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 22","rbi_char_offset":15509,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Branch","team":null,"products_covered":["deposit-account","trade-finance"],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p17","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-3915647c","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Run the whistle scheme","plain_english":"A bank must put the Protected Disclosure Scheme in place.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 27","rbi_char_offset":16937,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p18","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-5b2f3bfd","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Send it sealed","plain_english":"The complaint must go in a closed or secure envelope.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 32","rbi_char_offset":18472,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p19","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13603-e2db4216","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Board must approve it","plain_english":"The bank's own scheme must be approved by its board and must shield staff who speak up.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 40","rbi_char_offset":23334,"weight":"DO IT","role":"Board","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p20","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13603-09b901ee","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"What may be reported","plain_english":"The scheme covers graft, misuse of office, crime, suspected fraud and failure to follow the rules.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 28","rbi_char_offset":17099,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"Compliance","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p21","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":5,"claim":"md13603-2620b137","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHO IT APPLIES TO","heading":"Who may complain","plain_english":"Staff, customers, stake holders, NGOs and members of the public may all complain.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 29","rbi_char_offset":17509,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p22","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":6,"claim":"md13603-99b5c62e","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"No unnamed complaints","plain_english":"A complaint with no name, or a false name, is not taken up.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 30","rbi_char_offset":17629,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p23","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":7,"claim":"md13603-dd129dd1","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"RBI is the nodal agency","plain_english":"RBI receives the complaints and keeps the name of the complainant secret.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 31","rbi_char_offset":17751,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p24","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":8,"claim":"md13603-da297707","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Where to send it","plain_english":"It is addressed to the Chief General Manager, Fraud Monitoring Group, RBI, Maker Tower-E, Mumbai.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 33","rbi_char_offset":18537,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p25","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":9,"claim":"md13603-01f5c4b6","page_group":"Chapter V. Protected Disclosure Scheme","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"No receipt is sent","plain_english":"RBI sends no acknowledgement, so as to protect the name of the person who complained.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 38","rbi_char_offset":19695,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p26","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-c74112e9","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"KEY DATES","heading":"Three years, then two","plain_english":"The normal term is three years and may be stretched by up to two more.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 48","rbi_char_offset":28331,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p27","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-43e897e1","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Keep them out of deals","plain_english":"Vigilance staff must not take part in decisions that they may later have to examine.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 49","rbi_char_offset":28640,"weight":"MUST KNOW","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p28","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13603-55a20383","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Name a vigilance head","plain_english":"A senior officer must be named Chief of Internal Vigilance to head that division.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 46","rbi_char_offset":27310,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p29","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":4,"claim":"md13603-32ef87f8","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Name the sensitive desks","plain_english":"A bank must name its sensitive posts and set a board policy on rotating the staff on them.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 52","rbi_char_offset":30879,"weight":"DO IT","role":"Board","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p30","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":5,"claim":"md13603-f63dba1b","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Decide who investigates","plain_english":"Once an inquiry is agreed, the bank must decide whether it is internal or one for the police.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 55","rbi_char_offset":32725,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p31","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":6,"claim":"md13603-12dc58a5","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"False complaints have a cost","plain_english":"If a complaint proves spiteful or empty, the bank must weigh acting against the complainant.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 57","rbi_char_offset":33458,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p32","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":7,"claim":"md13603-c892f642","page_group":"Chapter VI. Vigilance","stored_section":"WHO SHOULD ACT","heading":"Work with the police","plain_english":"The vigilance head must work closely with the police and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 58","rbi_char_offset":33691,"weight":"DO IT","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":null,"anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p33","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":1,"claim":"md13603-e79526e1","page_group":"Chapter IX. Repeal and Other Provisions","stored_section":"WHAT IT REPLACES","heading":"Old instructions repealed","plain_english":"The old rules on these matters were repealed by RBI's own circular.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 121","rbi_char_offset":49775,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":"A compliance officer keeps an old circular on the same subject in the manual. It no longer applies. The existing directions, instructions and guidelines on these areas stand repealed. Only this rulebook governs them now.","anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p34","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":2,"claim":"md13603-34cd0eed","page_group":"Chapter IX. Repeal and Other Provisions","stored_section":"WHAT IT REPLACES","heading":"Earlier action stands","plain_english":"What was done or begun under the old rules is still ruled by them.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 122","rbi_char_offset":50184,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":"A show cause notice was issued under the old rules last year. The repeal does not move it. Any action taken or initiated under the repealed directions is still governed by them. The new rulebook applies to what comes after.","anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p35","layer":"bankpulse"},{"n":3,"claim":"md13603-9d276afe","page_group":"Chapter IX. Repeal and Other Provisions","stored_section":"WHAT CHANGES","heading":"Adds to other law","plain_english":"These rules add to other laws in force. They take nothing away.","rbi_paragraph":"Para 123","rbi_char_offset":51253,"weight":"BACKGROUND","role":"All staff","team":null,"products_covered":[],"products_excluded":[],"bankpulse_example":"A bank follows these Directions and thinks the matter is closed. It is not. Any other laws, rules, regulations or directions in force still apply on top. Where another one asks for more, the bank does the more.","anchor":"https://bankpulse.ai/rule/md13603#p36","layer":"bankpulse"}],"actions":[],"amendments":[{"id":"nt13377","title":"Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks – Miscellaneous) – Amendment Directions, 2026","date":"Apr 27, 2026","rbi_url":"https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=13377&Mode=0","order":1,"layer":"rbi_source"}],"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."}