Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank, based in Jalandhar, due to its insufficient capital and lack of adequate earning potential. This action aims to protect the interests of depositors and ensure financial stability in the region.
Reasons for Licence Cancellation
- Insufficient Capital & Financial Viability: The bank’s current financial situation prevents it from meeting its obligations to depositors.
- Public Interest: The RBI stated that allowing the bank to continue operating would be detrimental to public interest, as it would be unable to pay back its depositors in full.
Steps Taken for Winding Up
- The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of Punjab, has been instructed to initiate the winding-up process of the bank, including the appointment of a liquidator.
- Immediate Restrictions: The bank has been prohibited from conducting any banking activities, including accepting deposits and repaying deposits.
Protection for Depositors
- DICGC Coverage: The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) will provide depositors with insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.
- Deposit Payouts: As of January 31, 2025, DICGC has already paid Rs 5.41 crore of the insured deposits to the affected depositors.
- Depositor Relief: According to RBI data, 97.79% of the bank’s depositors are eligible for full reimbursement of their insured deposits.
Impact on Deposit Holders
- Large Number of Affected Depositors: The closure of the bank affects a substantial number of depositors, but the insurance system ensures that the majority will receive their entitled claims.
- Financial Security: The DICGC’s intervention provides a safety net for depositors, mitigating the risk of financial loss due to the bank’s closure.
The cancellation of the Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank’s licence underscores the RBI’s commitment to maintaining financial integrity and protecting the public interest. While this decision impacts the bank’s depositors, the insurance mechanism ensures that the majority will receive their entitled payouts, reinforcing the stability of India’s banking system.
