New Delhi, May 27 (IANS): Seven northeastern regional rural banks 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. The Gross Non-Performing Assets ratio has also declined to 4.9 per cent, the lowest level recorded in the last decade, reflecting improved financial health and stronger asset quality. The figures were discussed at a regional review meeting of Northeast RRBs held under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services in Agartala, Tripura, attended by chairpersons of seven RRBs in the Northeast, senior officials from public sector banks and NABARD. The DFS Secretary appreciated the efforts of the northeastern RRBs in significantly improving their financial performance in FY 2025-26 in terms of increased profits, reduction in non-performing assets and diversification of their loan portfolio.
The DFS Secretary also emphasised the crucial role of RRBs in supporting the rural economy, particularly in the northeastern region, highlighting their large presence in rural areas and the strong trust of the people in their respective states as core strengths. He further pointed out that RRBs will need to rise to the challenge of strengthening and expanding digital banking facilities in the days ahead, with sponsor banks playing a significant role in providing technical support, sharing effective strategies and ensuring access to IT resources. Northeastern RRBs have significantly expanded their footprint, with a network of over 887 branches spread across 105 districts in seven states, with more than 92 per cent of these branches located in rural and semi-urban areas, underscoring their deep penetration into underserved communities across the region.