New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) Seven northeastern regional rural banks (RRBs) have reported a provisional consolidated net profit of Rs 560 crore during FY 2025–26, registering an impressive year-on-year growth of 34 per cent, according to the government.

Further, the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio has declined to 4.9 per cent, the lowest level recorded in the last decade, reflecting improved financial health and stronger asset quality, according to finance ministry.

A regional review meeting of Northeast RRBs was held under the chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Financial Services at Agartala, Tripura. It was attended by chairpersons of seven RRBs in the Northeast, senior officials from public sector banks and NABARD.

DFS Secretary emphasised the crucial role of RRBs in supporting the rural economy, particularly in the North Eastern region of the country.

He highlighted that the core strengths of RRBs included their large presence in rural areas and the strong trust of the people in their respective states.

He appreciated the efforts of RRBs in Northeast in significantly improving their financial performance in the FY 2025-26 in terms of increase in profits, reduction in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and diversifying their loan portfolio.

Secretary, DFS further pointed out that in days to come, RRBs will have to rise up to the challenge of strengthening and expanding digital banking facilities.

In this regard, the Sponsor Banks play a significant role in terms of providing requisite technical support, sharing effective strategies, and ensuring that RRBs can access to the IT resources.

Northeastern RRBs have significantly expanded their footprint, with a network of over 887 branches spread across 105 districts in 7 States. Notably, more than 92 per cent of these branches are located in rural and semi-urban areas, according to Finance Ministry.

—IANS

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