The Reserve Bank of India collects various data/information from the banks through periodical returns/ statements. For processing these data on a computer system, it is necessary to keep a unique identity of the source of data. This is achieved through allotting suitable code number, named as Uniform Code Numbers to all the bank offices. Evolving a code numbering system that could be uniformly used in all returns to be submitted by bank branches/offices was considered in late sixties by the Reserve Bank of India and put in place initially for commercial banks in 1972. Similarly, allotment of Uniform Code Numbers to all the co-operative credit institutions and the state financial corporations, which participated in the Lead Bank Scheme, was attempted in 1982.

The Uniform codes alongwith other particulars of each and every branch/office of commercial and cooperative banks are maintained in the computer system of the Department of Statistical Analysis and Computer Services in the form of Master Office File(MOF). MOFs are being maintained separately for commercial banks and co-operative banks.

Detailed information on branches/offices of banks are regularly collected in the prescribed proformae viz. Proforma-I and Proforma-II. Details of new branches/ offices opened in banked/ unbanked centres such as date of opening of branch/office, name and address of branch/ office, other locational details, population of centre, nature of business activities pursued and also some auxiliary information covering AD category, currency chest details, status of computerisation, etc., are reported through Proforma-I. The information of relocation/ closure/ merger/ conversion of a bank branch/ change of branch name/AD category/ change of any auxiliary information are collected through Proforma-II. These data on branches/ offices alongwith Part-I and Part-II of Uniform Code Number of 7 digits each, assigned by DESACS, are maintained in MOF. As the opening of new bank branches, closure/relocation, etc., of existing branches, formation/ reorganisation of new/existing districts, etc., are on an on-going process, updation of MOF is accordingly carried out. MOF updation also takes into account decennial population census and gazette notification on merger/reorganisation of centres, districts, etc.

Comprehensive and updated list of branches of banks available from the MOF constitutes the frame of various BSR surveys, other bank related surveys and various foreign exchange related returns received in DESACS. MOF based data are regularly published in Statistical Tables Relating to Banks in India, Report on Currency and Finance, Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India, etc. Parliamentary questions related to bank-branch details are attended from MOF. Besides, data from MOF are also supplied to other users from time to time. It may be mentioned here that MOF is the only official and reliable source of bank branch details in India. This publication, third in the series, brings out branch banking statistics of commercial banks as on 31st March 2002, in 25 tables. Some of these data are available in various publications of the Bank. A list of tables based on Master Office File on commercial banks available in various publications of the Bank and elsewhere is given in Annex at the end of the publication. Table No. 25 providing country-wise summarised data on branches of Indian banks functioning in foreign countries has been newly incorporated.

For better presentation and readability of data, the ordering of a few tables presented in earlier volume of the Branch Banking Statistics, has been modified in this volume.

To facilitate comprehension of data, explanatory notes on tables presented in this volume are given separately. Presumably, the volume will be of immense use for all concerned in the areas of banking, management, economics and statistics.

This Volume is prepared in the Banking Statistics Division of the Department of Statistical Analysis and Computer Services.

Reserve Bank of India
Department of Statistical Analysis and
Computer Services Banking Statistics Division
C-9 Bandra-Kurla Complex
Post Box No. 8128
Bandra (East)
Mumbai 400 051.

Dated : March 19, 2003