RBI/2004-05/339

UBD (PCB).Cir. 34/16.51.00/2004-05

January 10, 2005

The Chief Executive Officers of
All Primary(urban) Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir/Madam,

Names as appearing in the Certificate of Registration and the Licence - use of- Primary (urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs)

Please refer to our circular UBD.No.BR/11/16.51.00/98-99 dated December 11, 1998 and subsequent circular UBD.CO.BR.No.538/16.51.00/2000-01 dated May 21, 2001 on the above subject advising UCBs to display only their full name in the form in which it appears in the Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies (RCS) and the licence granted by Reserve Bank of India.

2. It is observed that some of the banks are not adhering to the above instructions in totality. We reiterate that the usage of name in its abridged form does not depict the correct status of the UCBs and is creating confusion in the minds of general public regarding their status.

3. We advise that it is mandatory for every bank to display its full name in any stationery item, publicity material, name board, etc. and the same must conform to the name as it is appearing in the Certificate of Registration issued by RCS of the respective state and the licence granted to the bank by Reserve Bank of India . Further, banks are prohibited from using any abridged form of their name. Accordingly, it may be ensured that even when using a logo, if name is sought to be displayed, it is only the full name of the bank that is displayed with the logo. In no case may the banks use abridged version of the name.

4. Primary (urban) co-operative banks are advised to ensure that all advertisement/s, stationery items, boards, etc. not correctly depicting their names in accordance with the Certificate of Registration & the licence issued to them, are withdrawn forthwith. A compliance report in this regard may be furnished to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank of India on or before March 31, 2005.

5. These instructions are issued under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949(AACS) and any contravention of or non-compliance with the same will attract penalties under the relevant provisions of the Act.

6. Please acknowledge receipt to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank of India.

Yours faithfully,

(N.S.Vishwanathan)
Chief General Manager