RBI/2016-17/60
DBR.No.BAPD.BC.12/22.01.001/2016-17

September 1, 2016

All Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs)/
(Including Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks)

Madam/Dear Sir,

Section 23 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 - Master Circular on Branch
Authorisation - Census data 2011

Please refer to our Master circular on Branch Authorisation DBOD.No.BAPD.BC.7/22.01.001/2014-15 dated July 1, 2014 wherein Tier-wise population groups, List of Underbanked Districts and List of Underbanked Districts in Underbanked States are furnished in Annex 2, 3 and 4 respectively, based on Census 2001.

2. As the Census data for 2011 are available in public domain, banks are advised to follow Census 2011 w.e.f. September 1, 2016 for all purposes of categorisations. The details of Tier-wise Population Groups, List of Underbanked Districts in Underbanked States and List of Underbanked Districts in other States based on Census 2011 are enclosed at Annex 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Yours faithfully,

(Lily Vadera)
Chief General Manager
Encl. as above