Centre notifies amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural Banks
New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) The Finance Ministry's Department of Financial Services has notified the amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on the principles of 'One State One RRB' as part of the fourth phase of the continuing exercise to improve efficiency, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Finance had rolled out an amalgamation plan in November 2024 for consultation with stakeholders. After consultation with stakeholders, the amalgamation of 26 RRBs in 10 states and one UT has been carried out with the primary focus on the improvement in scale efficiency and cost rationalisation, the statement said.
At present, 43 RRBs are functioning in 26 states and 2 UTs. Post amalgamation, there will be 28 RRBs in 26 states and 2 UTs with more than 22,000 branches covering 700 districts. Their predominant area of operation is in rural areas, with approximately 92 per cent of branches in rural and semi-urban areas, the statement said.
This is the fourth phase of amalgamation. In the previous three phases which include Phase-I (FY 2006 to FY 2010), the number of RRBs were reduced from 196 to 82, in Phase-2 (FY 2013 to FY 2015) from 82 to 56, and in Phase-3 (FY 2019 to FY 2021) from 56 to 43, the official statement said.
The Finance Ministry has kicked off a 'One State One RRB' drive in 11 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Rajasthan, by amalgamating various RRBs into one. The scheme will come into effect from May 1.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 23A of the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, the Central government hereby provides for the amalgamation of the said Regional Rural Banks into a single Regional Rural Bank, which shall come into effect on and from the 1st day of May, 2025 with such constitution, property, powers, rights, interests, authorities and privileges; and with such liabilities, duties and obligation," a notification by the Finance Ministry said.
Regional Rural Banks in India play a crucial role in promoting rural economic development by providing financial services, particularly credit and other facilities, to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs in underserved rural areas.
--IANS
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Over 25,000 govt posts approved in first Bihar Cabinet meet post-budget session
Patna, April 8 (IANS) In its first cabinet meeting after the Budget Session of the Bihar Legislature, the Nitish Kumar-led government on Tuesday approved 27 major proposals including the creation of over 25,000 posts in various departments, signaling a focus on employment generation ahead of the Assembly elections to be held later this year.
The meeting, held at the Cabinet Secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saw the participation of a majority of state ministers.
Among the significant decisions was an amendment to the 2006 rules governing the salary and allowances of ministers -- a move seen as politically crucial in an election year.
In a major recruitment drive, the cabinet approved the creation of 2,590 posts in the Agriculture Department; 3,306 posts for Urdu translators; 35 Data Entry Operator posts in the Staff Selection Commission; 36 positions in AYUSH hospitals; 48 new posts in the Liquor Prohibition Department; and over 20,000 additional positions in the Health Department.
Within the Health Department, the sanctioned posts include government doctors and staff nurses for medical colleges, Sadar Hospitals, Community Health Centres, and Primary Health Centres.
To push digital governance, the cabinet approved Rs 38 crore for setting up video conferencing facilities across all revenue courts in the state.
Several new administrative rules were also cleared, including the Bihar Education Administration Relation Rules, 2025; the Bihar Drug Laboratory Technical Shortage Contract Rules, 2025; and the Bihar Dental Education Service Rules, 2025.
Other key decisions include land approval for Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, increasing the Bihar Contingency Fund to Rs 10,000 crore, and extending the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2016, until 2025.
Additionally, two officers -- Baidyanath Yadav and Pankaj Kumar -- were appointed as consultants in their respective departments, while Dr Ramraj Raman was dismissed from service.
These approvals underscore the government’s emphasis on strengthening public services and infrastructure while laying the groundwork for an electorally significant year.
--IANS
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