The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated September 20, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 lakh (Rupees One Lakh Fifty thousand only) on The Bihar Awami Co-operative Bank Ltd., Patna (the bank) for contravention of the provisions of section 26A read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of BR Act.  

The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and 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 and oral submissions made by it during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the Bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty.

The bank had:

1. failed to transfer eligible amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the prescribed period; and
2. failed to review risk categorisation of its customers as per the prescribed periodicity.

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.

(Puneet Pancholy)     
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/1163