The Government of India has inaugurated Sahakar Sarathi, a Shared Service Entity designed to enhance and modernize Rural Cooperative Banks (RCBs) across the nation. This initiative aims to empower RCBs to offer standardized, technology-driven banking services that are comparable to those provided by other regulated banking institutions.
Sahakar Sarathi was established following formal approval from the Reserve Bank of India and was officially registered on 21 July 2025. This entity has been created to serve as a unified technology and service backbone for RCBs, addressing persistent gaps in their digital and operational capabilities.
The Shared Service Entity boasts an authorized capital of ₹1,000 crore. Its shareholding structure is evenly distributed among three stakeholders: NABARD, the National Cooperative Development Corporation, and participating Rural Cooperative Banks, each holding a 33.33 percent stake. This ensures balanced ownership and cooperative control among the stakeholders.
Sahakar Sarathi provides a shared technological infrastructure to RCBs. Its services encompass modern Core Banking Solutions (CBS), digital payment platforms such as AePS and UPI, and various related digital channels. Furthermore, it supports essential cybersecurity frameworks, IT governance standards, domain migration (e.g., bank.in), and capacity-building initiatives through standard operating procedures and training programs.
For exam-oriented readers, it is vital to remember that Sahakar Sarathi is a Shared Service Entity focused on Rural Cooperative Banks. Registered on 21 July 2025 after receiving RBI approval, it has an authorized capital of ₹1,000 crore with equal shareholding. Key services include CBS, UPI, AePS, and cybersecurity support.
With shared digital infrastructure and standardized processes, Sahakar Sarathi is expected to significantly enhance customer access, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate the adoption of contemporary financial technologies by RCBs. This initiative was highlighted by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative banking ecosystem.
Q1. What is Sahakar Sarathi?
Answer: Sahakar Sarathi is a Shared Service Entity established to modernize Rural Cooperative Banks in India, providing standardized and technology-driven banking services.
Q2. When was Sahakar Sarathi registered?
Answer: Sahakar Sarathi was officially registered on 21 July 2025 after receiving approval from the Reserve Bank of India.
Q3. What is the authorized capital of Sahakar Sarathi?
Answer: The authorized capital of Sahakar Sarathi is ₹1,000 crore, ensuring a strong financial foundation for its operations.
Q4. Which stakeholders are involved in Sahakar Sarathi?
Answer: The stakeholders include NABARD, the National Cooperative Development Corporation, and participating Rural Cooperative Banks, each holding a 33.33 percent stake.
Q5. What services does Sahakar Sarathi provide?
Answer: Sahakar Sarathi offers services such as Core Banking Solutions, digital payment platforms like UPI and AePS, and support for cybersecurity and IT governance.
Question 1: What is the primary goal of Sahakar Sarathi?
A) To replace Rural Cooperative Banks
B) To modernize Rural Cooperative Banks
C) To privatize banking services
D) To eliminate digital banking services
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who approved the establishment of Sahakar Sarathi?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Reserve Bank of India
C) National Cooperative Development Corporation
D) NABARD
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the authorized capital of Sahakar Sarathi?
A) ₹500 crore
B) ₹1,000 crore
C) ₹1,500 crore
D) ₹2,000 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which digital payment platforms does Sahakar Sarathi support?
A) NEFT and RTGS
B) UPI and AePS
C) PayPal and Google Pay
D) Credit and Debit Cards
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How is the shareholding structured in Sahakar Sarathi?
A) Equal among four stakeholders
B) Equal among three stakeholders
C) Majority held by NABARD
D) Sole ownership by the government
Correct Answer: B
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