In response to the deteriorating financial condition of the Konark Urban Co-operative Bank, located in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, the RBI has taken decisive action, imposing several restrictions, effective as of the close of business on April 23, 2024.
Impact on Bank’s Daily Operation:
These restrictions, enacted under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, encompass various facets of the bank’s operations. Notably, the bank is prohibited from granting or renewing loans and advances, engaging in new investments, assuming additional liabilities, or disposing of its assets without explicit permission from the RBI.
Given the bank’s liquidity challenges, the RBI has implemented measures limiting withdrawals from all types of accounts, while permitting offsetting of outstanding loans.
Depositors’ Protection
Under these circumstances, eligible depositors are assured coverage under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), with claims up to ₹ 5 lakh on their deposits.
Temporary Measure:
As per RBI, the imposition of these restrictions should not be misconstrued as a revocation of the bank’s banking license. Rather, it indicates a temporary measure to safeguard the interests of depositors and stabilize the institution’s financial health. The Urban Co-op Bank will continue its banking operations under these restrictions until its financial situation shows signs of improvement, according to RBI.