RBI Assigns SBI as Lead Bank Responsibility for “Keyi Panyor and Bichom”

Circular No. RBI/2025-26/68 FIDD.CO.LBS.BC.No.14/02.08.001/2025-26; Dated: 18.07.2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued an update regarding the assignment of Lead Bank responsibility in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, following the recent creation of two new districts.

1. Background – Formation of New Districts

Earlier, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, through Gazette Notification No. Law/Legn-5/2024 dated February 23, 2024, had formally announced the formation of two new districts in the state, namely:

• Keyi Panyor
• Bichom

This administrative change was part of the state’s efforts to enhance governance and public service delivery in remote and emerging regions.

2. SBI Designated as Lead Bank for New Districts

In view of the creation of these new districts, the RBI has now assigned the State Bank of India (SBI) as the Lead Bank for:

• Keyi Panyor
• Bichom

This move aligns with the RBI’s objective of ensuring adequate banking infrastructure and financial inclusion in newly created and underserved areas.

3. No Change in Existing Lead Bank Assignments

The RBI has clarified that there is no change in the Lead Banks for the other existing districts in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The current Lead Bank responsibilities for those districts will continue as previously designated.

4. Conclusion

This update is a part of RBI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Lead Bank Scheme and promote inclusive banking services in line with the state’s administrative reorganisation. SBI, as the designated Lead Bank, will now be responsible for coordinating development and financial inclusion initiatives in the newly formed districts.

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