The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated February 27, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One lakh only) on Pragati Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh (the bank) for non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Exposure Norms and Statutory/Other Restrictions -UCBs’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2016. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under provisions of section 47A (1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2022. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

After considering the bank's reply to the notice, the additional submissions and oral submissions made by it during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges were sustained warranting imposition of monetary penalty, to the extent of non-compliance. The bank had (i) breached prudential inter-bank (gross) exposure limit, and (ii) not undertaken periodic review of risk categorization of its customers once in six months.

This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

(Yogesh Dayal)       
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2023-2024/2091