The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out ‘Mission Saksham’, an ambitious nationwide drive to build capacity in urban cooperative banks (UCBs), announced on Tuesday from New Delhi.
Designed to train around 1.40 lakh individuals – from board directors to IT staff – the program focuses on key areas like risk management, compliance, auditing, and digital operations. This multi-pronged effort promises to elevate the sector’s professionalism and efficiency.
What sets Mission Saksham apart is its dual-mode delivery: traditional classroom sessions combined with online e-learning platforms. RBI has smartly incorporated regional languages into the curriculum, breaking language barriers and maximizing outreach across diverse regions.
Drawing inputs from UCB umbrella bodies and cooperative federations, the mission addresses real-world pain points head-on. It promotes ongoing skill development, stricter regulatory adherence, and stronger institutional frameworks.
RBI officials highlight that empowered leadership and staff will lead to better decision-making, reduced vulnerabilities, and enhanced public trust. In the past, several UCBs grappled with mismanagement and liquidity woes; this initiative signals RBI’s commitment to systemic overhaul.
Looking ahead, Mission Saksham is poised to transform urban cooperative banking into a more resilient pillar of India’s financial system, supporting small businesses and underserved communities while mitigating risks.
