RBI Update – Master Circular – Credit Facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs) (Applicable – Chairman/ Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer All Scheduled Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks))

RBI has issued Master Circular – Credit Facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs)  directs banks to enhance credit access for these communities through targeted planning, support mechanisms, and monitoring. It emphasizes collaboration with local agencies, prioritizing SC/ST needs in credit plans, easing loan application processes, avoiding upfront deposit requirements, and timely subsidy disbursements. Banks must create awareness, review lending policies, and report credit data regularly. Special schemes like DAY-NRLM, DRI, and CEGSSC provide dedicated financial support. Monitoring is to be ensured through special cells and periodic reviews, with involvement from relevant government bodies and development corporations.

Link – https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12869&Mode=0