RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM for Cooperative Banks

The Reserve Bank of India has launched Mission SAKSHAM, a nationwide capacity-building programme for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), aimed at improving governance, resilience and professional standards across the sector. The initiative reflects the RBI’s broader push to modernise cooperative banking while preserving its community-focused structure. It is designed as a mission-mode exercise covering nearly 1.40 lakh participants across India through both physical and digital training modules.

Purpose of Mission SAKSHAM

Mission SAKSHAM seeks to strengthen managerial and operational capabilities within UCBs. The focus is on improving governance standards, compliance culture and institutional resilience. RBI stated that the programme is intended to build stronger and more professionally managed cooperative banks that can meet modern banking standards.

The word “SAKSHAM” means capable, reflecting the objective of making cooperative banks more efficient and future-ready in a changing financial environment.

Who Will Be Trained

The programme targets a wide range of stakeholders within Urban Cooperative Banks. This includes board members, senior management, risk officers, compliance officials, audit heads, IT staff and employees working in other key operational areas.

Training will be delivered through a combination of classroom sessions and e-learning modules. RBI has also stated that course material will be provided in regional languages wherever possible to ensure wider accessibility and better learning outcomes across states.

Collaborative Sector-Wide Approach

Mission SAKSHAM has been designed in consultation with the umbrella organisation of the cooperative banking sector and national as well as state-level cooperative federations. This collaborative structure aims to ensure that training reflects real sector needs and supports long-term institutional strengthening.

The initiative also seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem for continuous learning, helping UCBs remain adaptable to regulatory and technological changes while supporting financial stability.

Important Facts for Exams

• Urban Cooperative Banks are regulated by the RBI for banking operations and by state cooperative laws for management aspects.
• RBI was established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• NUCFDC stands for National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation, an umbrella support structure for UCBs.
• Cooperative banks mainly serve local communities and small businesses with a member-owned structure.

Future Vision for Cooperative Banks

RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan had earlier outlined a future roadmap for cooperative banks, stressing that UCBs must evolve into resilient institutions with strong governance and independent boards. He emphasised the need for robust risk management and a more risk-based supervisory framework.

He also highlighted the importance of scale, technology adoption and cooperative-led networks such as NUCFDC to help smaller banks share resources and improve liquidity. The long-term vision includes consolidation, stronger digital capabilities and prudent regulation, ensuring that cooperative banks continue to protect depositor trust while remaining competitive in the modern banking system.