Centre identifies 3-4 regional rural banks for IPOs

New Delhi: The government is planning to list three to four financially strong regional rural banks (RRBs) on stock exchanges in the current fiscal after the conclusion of consolidation exercise, sources said.

The bank consolidation exercise is going on as the objective is to bring the number of RRBs to 38 from the current 45, they said, adding that some more consolidations will take place as state governments have given their go-ahead.

Amalgamation of RRBs within a state has been carried out with a view to enable RRBs to minimise their overhead expenses, optimise the use of technology, enhance the capital base and area of operation and increase their exposure, sources said.

As many as 21 banks were amalgamated in various states in the last few months to create a large entity so that they can enjoy the benefit of economies of scale.

They further said that three to four RRBs are eligible to come out with initial public offer (IPO) and they may hit the capital market this year.

These banks were formed under the RRB Act, 1976 with an objective to provide credit and other facilities to small farmers, agricultural labourers and artisans in rural areas.

The Act was amended in 2015 whereby such banks were permitted to raise capital from sources other than the Centre, states and sponsor banks.

Currently, the Centre holds 50 per cent in RRBs, while 35 per cent and 15 per cent are with the concerned sponsor banks and state governments, respectively.

Even after stake dilution, the shareholding of the Centre and the sponsor public sector banks together cannot fall below 51 per cent according to the amended Act.

As a result, the ownership and control would remain with the government. In order to improve the financial health of RRBs, the government-initiated consolidation of RRBs in a phased manner in 2005.

The number of RRBs came down to 133 in 2006 from 196 at the end of March 2005. It further came down to 105 and to 82 at the end of March 2012 and subsequently to 56.

Budget 2019-20 has provided Rs 235 crore towards recapitalisation of RRBs.