The AGR Framework of RBI comprises of RBI Ombudsmen (RBIOs), Consumer Education and Protection Cells (CEPCs) and CEPD. The RBIOs function under the framework of RB-IOS, 2021. The CEPCs take up complaints against REs not falling under the ambit of RB-IOS, 2021. CEPD provides assistance to the Appellate Authority (AA) under the RB-IOS and processes the appeal cases.

Ans. ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called WLAs. Non-bank ATM operators are authorised under the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The list of authorised WLA Operators is available on the RBI website at the link https://rbi.org.in/web/rbi/payment-and-settlements/other-links/information-useful-to-banks-fis/payment-system-operators

The pension paying banks credit the pension amount in the accounts of the pensioners based on the instructions given by the Pension Paying Authorities.

Response: Resident Indians [Individuals, HUFs, Proprietorship & Partnership firms, Trusts including Mutual Funds/Exchange Traded Funds registered under SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, Companies, charitable institutions, Central Government, State Government or any other entity owned by Central Government or State Government].

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India has launched the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) to facilitate formalisation of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) through online generation of Udyam Assist Certificate. Ministry of MSME has defined IMEs as those enterprises, which on the basis of their turnover, are exempted from filing returns under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

The UAP is managed by SIDBI wherein registration of enterprises on the platform is done with the assistance of Designated Agencies which are RBI regulated entities (including scheduled commercial banks, non-banking financial companies, etc.). The certificate issued on UAP to IMEs is treated at par with URC for the purpose of availing PSL benefits. IMEs with an Udyam Assist Certificate are treated as micro enterprises for the purpose of PSL classification. (Refer Master Direction FIDD.MSME & NFS.12/06.02.31/2017-18 dated July 24, 2017 and circular  FIDD.MSME & NFS.BC.No.09/06.02.31/2023-24 dated May 09, 2023)

No. An individual is eligible to have only one 'Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account' in one bank.

Ans: It is clarified that treatment advised in the relevant clause (revised clause 77A) for investment by a transferor in SRs backed by stressed loans transferred by it are applicable to all SR investments outstanding as on the date of issuance of the MD. However, lenders other than specified at clause 3(a) & (e) shall be guided by the proviso added to the clause 77A.

Ans. RTGS offers many advantages for funds transfer:

• It is a safe and secure system for funds transfer.

• RTGS transactions / transfers have no amount cap set by RBI.

• The system is available on all days on 24x7x365 basis. There is real time transfer of funds to the beneficiary account.

• The remitter need not use a physical cheque or a demand draft.

• The beneficiary need not visit a bank branch for depositing the paper instruments.

• The beneficiary need not be apprehensive about loss / theft of physical instruments or the likelihood of fraudulent encashment thereof.

• Remitter can initiate the remittances from his / her home / place of work using internet banking, if his / her bank offers such service.

• The transaction charges have been capped by RBI.

• The transaction has legal backing.

Ans, Every company registered under Section 3 of the Companies Act 1956 seeking registration as NBFC-Factor shall have a minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of Rs. 5 crore. Existing companies seeking registration as NBFC-Factor but do not fulfil the NOF criterion of Rs. 5 crore may approach the Bank for time to comply with the requirement.

A link to ATS has been provided in the RBI website http://www.rbi.org.in.

Ans : IDF-MFs can be sponsored by banks and NBFCs. Only banks and Infrastructure Finance companies can sponsor IDF-NBFCs.

Local cheque collection charges are decided by the concerned bank from time to time and communicated to customer through their CCP as part of the Code of Bank’s Commitment to Customers.

Banks cannot charge more than the following for outstation cheques:

Up to and including Rs.5,000 – Rs.25 per instrument + service tax; Above Rs.5,000 and up to and including Rs.10,000 – not exceeding Rs.50 per instrument + service tax; Above Rs.10,000 and up to and including Rs.1,00,000 – not exceeding Rs.100 per instrument + service tax; Above Rs.1,00,000 – left to the banks to decide. No additional charges such as courier charges, out of pocket expenses, etc., should be levied.

It may be noted, no outstation cheque collection charges to be levied if the collecting bank and the paying bank are located within the jurisdiction of the same CTS grid even though they are located in different cities.

• Yes, capital protection will be provided by paying higher of the adjusted principal and face value (FV) at redemption.

• If adjusted principal goes below FV due to deflation, the FV would be paid at redemption and thus, capital will get protected.

Ans The remitting bank transmits the funds transfer message to RBI so as to reach NCC, before the cut off time for the settlement, the receiving bank’s account is credited by RBI at the destination centre and beneficiary gets credit on the same day.

Each depositor in a bank is insured upto a maximum of ₹ 5,00,000 (Rupees Five Lakhs) for both principal and interest amount held by him in the same right and same capacity as on the date of liquidation/cancellation of bank's licence or the date on which the scheme of amalgamation/merger/reconstruction comes into force.

An authorized dealer is normally a bank specifically authorized by the Reserve Bank under Section 10(1) of FEMA,1999, to deal in foreign exchange or foreign securities.

Yes. Money changing business can be undertaken by entities authorised by the Reserve Bank under Section 10 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. No person shall carry on money changing business without the possession of a valid licence issued by the Reserve Bank. Any person found undertaking money changing business without a valid licence is liable to be penalised under the Act ibid.

Ans. Travellers going to all countries other than (a) and (b) below are allowed to purchase foreign currency notes / coins only up to USD 3000 per visit. Balance amount can be carried in the form of store value cards, travellers cheque or banker’s draft. Exceptions to this are (a) travellers proceeding to Iraq and Libya who can draw foreign exchange in the form of foreign currency notes and coins not exceeding USD 5000 or its equivalent per visit; (b) travellers proceeding to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation and other Republics of Commonwealth of Independent States who can draw entire foreign exchange (up-to USD 250,000) in the form of foreign currency notes or coins.

For travellers proceeding for Haj/ Umrah pilgrimage, full amount of entitlement (USD 250,000) in cash or up to the cash limit as specified by the Haj Committee of India, may be released by the ADs and FFMCs.

Ans. Resident as defined in Sec 2(v) ² of FEMA, 1999. Further, the onus is on the individual to prove his/ her residential status, if questioned by any authority.

All monies for credit to government account like taxes or other remittances can be made by filling the prescribed challans of the Government/Department concerned. The tax payers are encouraged to pay dues to Government electronically by login in to respective government portals. However, if they prefer to pay dues by way of cash, cheque, demand draft, these are required to be tendered with the authorized agency bank branches along with requisite challan