Following the reorganisation of districts in Delhi, the RBI has reassigned lead bank roles to align with new administrative boundaries. Banks must update outreach and financial inclusion strategies accordingly.
The Reserve Bank of India, on October 26, 2026, updated the assignment of lead bank responsibilities in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, following the government’s reorganisation of districts notified via Gazette Notification No. F.223/SDM-II (HQ)/Land/2025/285. The revision ensures that the Lead Bank Scheme remains aligned with new administrative district boundaries.
Under the Lead Bank Scheme, each district is assigned to a bank for coordinated credit planning and financial inclusion efforts. With the redrawing of districts, the RBI has reassigned lead banks to ensure continuity in outreach, priority sector lending, and banking penetration. The directive applies to all concerned commercial banks designated as lead institutions in the affected areas.
Practitioners advising public sector banks or those engaged in rural and urban credit delivery must review the revised responsibilities. The change impacts district-level credit planning, branch licensing applications, and reporting under priority sector norms. Banks must update their development strategies in coordination with district authorities and the RBI’s Financial Inclusion & Development Department.
