What is RBI Mission Saksham?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated a countrywide capacity-building program called Mission SAKSHAM (Sahkari Bank Kshamta Nirman) for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). The program is intended to improve governance, compliance, and resilience among UCBs through systematic training.

What Is Mission SAKSHAM?

Mission SAKSHAM can be termed as a training program that targets urban cooperative banks with a view to enhancing their managerial and risk management skills. The essence of Mission SAKSHAM can be gleaned from the meaning of its name: building capability among cooperative banks to meet contemporary requirements of banking operations. The program is not just about a training program; it is all about creating a sustainable system of learning.

Key Objectives

• Improving the efficiency of management and operations in UCBs, with particular emphasis on credit management and risk management.

• Enhancing governance, internal controls, and compliance mindset in order to minimize the chances of regulatory risks.

• Making the organization more resilient to liquidity risk, IT-related risks, and cyber risk.

• Creating a culture of continuous learning so that capabilities are continuously enhanced.

Participants & Coverage

Approximately 1.4 lakh participants are likely to undergo training through Mission SAKSHAM. The target group includes:

• Board of Directors and senior management members.

• Heads of Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit functions.

• Staff associated with Information Technology and core-banking operations.

Training Mode and Delivery

A combined learning model including the following has been adopted for the programme:

• Hands‑on training sessions conducted at regional centers and bank campus.

• E‑learning through web-based modules, which are available online and are multilingual in content for greater outreach.

Curriculum for the programme will be designed keeping in mind the suggestions from sector associations such as Umbrella Organisation of UCBs and national/state level cooperative federations.

Mission SAKSHAM in the Larger Picture

Mission SAKSHAM forms part of a multi-faceted approach by RBI towards UCBs:

• Regulation (strict prudential norms and minimum capital requirements).

• Supervision (on-site visits and inspections).

• Capacity building (such as the present mission SAKSHAM).

Ultimately, the programme intends to make the UCBs more responsible and resilient for systemic stability in the financial system and benefitting millions of household and small business borrowers in semi-urban and small towns of India.