Member Institutions Highlights
STATE FEDERATIONS
1.The Maharashtra Urban Co-operative Banks' Federation Ltd.,Mumbai, Bhartiya Krida Mandir, 4th Floor, Wadala, Mumbai-400 031
The Maharashtra Urban Co-operative Banks Federation was established on 9th March, 1979 under the provision of Maharashtra State Co-operative Act on the basic principle of co-operation. Out of 668 urban co-operative banks in Maharashtra, 521 urban co-operative banks are associated with the Federation, apart from 16 urban co-operative banks, districts/regional banks' associations as its members. Maharashtra, with deposits of these 668 urban co-operative banks, accounts for 67% of total deposits of all urban co-operative banks in the country. 39 of the 54 scheduled urban co-operative banks are also located in the State and majority of them are among the largest urban banks of the Country.

The State Federation organized a number of training programmes, seminars and workshops during the year. The Federation has its own website for easy interaction and quick dissemination of information to members. The Federation has been providing consultancy services to its members on the important issues like NPA reduction, improving CRAR level etc.

The MOU between State Government and RBI was signed during the year and TAFCUB was formed. The State Federation is represented on the TAFCUB, which has been meeting in Mumbai and Nagpur regularly.


2.Gujarat Urban Co-operative Banks Federation, P.O. Box No. 4071, Co-operative Banks Bhavan, Near Jai Hind Press, Navrangpura, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380 009
Gujarat with 296 banks has the second highest number of urban co-operative banks among States, after Maharashtra. 63% of 296 banks in the State are in Grade-I & II categories. This is a marked improvement over the position obtaining in the previous two years and the improvement is largely attributable to the functioning of TAFCUB in the state that has contributed in the revival and revitalization process of the potentially viable banks and merger/closure of unviable ones. The State Federation took strong initiative in this regard and worked towards improvement in the health of urban co-operative banks in the state.

Gujarat Urban Cooperative Banks Federation organized its 10th conference at Gandhinagar on February 24-25, 2007. The conference was inaugurated by Ms. Usha Thorat, Deputy Governor, RBI. The keynote address was also delivered by Mr. Thorat. She also launched the Federation's website and inaugurated the exhibition and workshop organized on the occasion. 

The Federation has also been organizing training programmes, seminars and workshops for the benefit of urban co-operative banks of the state, during the year. 

3.The Karnataka State Co-operative Urban Banks Federation Ltd., No. 132, K.H. Road, Bangalore-560 027
Karnataka is the third largest in the Country in terms of number of urban co-operative banks. There are 296 urban co-operative banks in the state with 677 branches catering to the banking needs of around 25 lakhs members. The Karnataka Federation is one of the most active state level federations in the Country, and has the distinction of starting a diploma programme in co-operative banking and MBA degree course through distance education mode of University of Mysore. The Federation, during the year, also awarded diplomas to 87 candidates from local urban co-operative banks. The Federation also organized training programmes/ seminars/workshops during the year on various important topics. All the programmes were well attended.

Karnataka took initiative for establishment of two co-operative courts to function in its premises, one at Bangalore and the other at Hubli, for quick disposal of recovery cases. The Federation has thus been able to help in timely settlement of many cases resulting in reduction of NPAs of urban co-operative banks in the state.

The Federation also publishes monthly journal and weekly newsletter containing topics of importance for the benefits of its members.

The Federation has a representation in TAFCUB that has been meeting at regular intervals during the year.

4.The Rajasthan Urban Co-operative Banks Federation Ltd., B-41, Ganesh Marg, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur-302 015
The state has 39 urban co-operative banks, 90% of which are in Grade I & II category. The Rajasthan Federation organized various training programmes and workshops on various topics, and conducted meetings of chairmen of all the banks of the state to focus on important and latest issues concerning the sector, during the course of the year. Federation was able to persuade the Government to conduct elections in urban co-operative banks in the State on time, this year.

The Federation facilitated the tie-up arrangement of urban co-operative banks with IFFCO-TOKIO Insurance Company for insurance business. It also played an important role in putting in place arrangements for sale of stamps by urban co-operative banks in the state.

The Federation compiled all Master Circulars in one book for the benefit and easy reference by urban co-operative banks. it has also been disseminating news of importance to its member institutions on regular basis to help them remain updated on all the current topics and issues. The State Federation has representation on TAFCUB formed in the State during the year.

5. The Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Urban Banks Federation Ltd, Flat No.407, Mount Nasir Apts., (Beside Ravindra Bharathi) 6-1-57, Secretariat Road, Hyderabad-500 004
The Andhra Pradesh Co-operative Urban Banks Federation, besides organizing training programmes for urban co-operative banks in different locations in the state, also organized one State Level Convention of urban co-operative banks on the issue of Income Tax, which was well attended. Chairman of State Federation is member of TAFCUB, which has been meeting regularly during the year to address the issues of Grade III and IV banks in the State. President of Andhra Pradesh Urban and Town Co-operative Banks' Association is the NAFCUB's representative in TAFCUB. The Association has also been actively involved in conducting training programmes and seminars during the course of the year, in many parts of the State.

6.The Kerala Urban Co-operative Banks' Federation, Trivandrum
The Kerala Federation organized one-day seminar on importance of vision document for revival and strengthening of the urban co-operative banking sector. Shri G. Sudhakaran, Hon'ble Minister for Co-operation, Kerala inaugurated the seminar, which was attended by over 150 delegates from various urban co-operative banks of the State. The seminar requested the Minister to initiate steps for early formation of TAFCUB in the State so that revival and strengthening of the sector could be facilitated. 

7. Tamil Nadu State Federation of Urban Co-operative Banks Ltd.'TANFED' Building, 3rd floor, 91, St. Mary's Road, Abiramauram, Chennai-600 018
The Tamil Nadu State Urban Co-operative Bank Federation was registered under Tamil Nadu Cooperative Societies Act 1961and commenced its function with effect from 6th June, 1988. The Tamil Nadu Federation has the distinction of enrolling all the functional urban co-operative banks in the State as its members. There are 132 banks in the state, making it fourth in ranking, in terms of number of urban banks. 65% of the banks are in Grade I and II category. As per its objectives, the Federation conducted training / study programmes in different centers in the State for the benefit of its members, during the year.

8.Federation of West Bengal Urban Co-operative Banks & Credit Societies Ltd., 119, B.B. Ganguly Street, 1st floor, Kolkata-700 012
The Federation of West Bengal Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies organized training programmes for its member banks in collaboration with co-operative training institutions in the State. It also organized a seminar on the topic of "Challenges before urban co-operative banks in West Bengal", which was well attended by majority of urban co-operative banks of the state. The Federation celebrated "Co-operative Week" with full enthusiasm. The Federation has been pursuing with Reserve Bank of India and State Government for the formation of TAFCUB in the State.

9.Punjab State Urban Co-operative Banks & Credit Societies Federation Ltd., C/o Citizen Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Opp. Circuit House, Jalandhar 
The Punjab State Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies Federation is apex promotional body of urban co-operative banks and credit societies of the State. It organized seminars and workshops in the field of HRD for the benefits of Directors, Executives and employees of urban co-operative banks of the State during the year.

In a move to help the co-operative credit societies in the State, Federation filed a writ petition and obtained stay order on the order of Central Bank of India for non-deduction of installments from salaries of its employees who have availed loan from Central Bank of India Employees Society. It was a major achievement for the Federation during the year, that helped salary earners' societies.

10.Uttar Bharat Urban Co-operative Banks Federation Ltd., 6-B Park Road, Jaiswal Complex, 2nd floor, Lucknow-226 001
The Uttar Bharat Urban Co-operative Banks Federation, the representative body of 70 urban co-operative banks of the State, provided consultancy services in respect of investment in G-Secs and arranged training programmes for the senior executives of urban co-operative banks in the State in collaboration with training institutes of repute. The Federation interacted with Reserve Bank of India, State Government to resolve various issues concerning urban co-operative banks of the State and has been pursuing with RBI and State Government the issue of formation of TAFCUB in the State.

11.URBAN COOPERATIVE BANKS
ASTHA BECOMES THE FIRST MAHILA BANK TO GET ISO CERTIFICATION
Astha Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Bhopal has become the first Mahila Bank to be awarded ISO 9001-2000 Certificate for its commercial banking services which include deposits, advances, remittances and other miscellaneous services. The Certificate was awarded to the Bank by Moody International Certificate Ltd. on March 26, 2007 and will be valid till 25th March, 2010. Smt Arti Bisaria, who is on the NAFCUB's Board, is the Chairperson of the Bank.
RELIGARE IN THE TIE-UP WITH ANYONYA BANK
Religare, a financial services provider owned by promoters of Ranbaxy Laboratories, have tied up with Vadodara-based Anyonya Co-operative Bank to offer its financial products including equities and commodities trading to the co-operative bank's customers. Religare currently has presence in more than 800 locations spread over 300 cities and towns.
BNP, SARASWAT BANK TO ALLIANCE
Sundaram BNP Paribas Mutual and Saraswat Co-op. Bank have formed a strategic distribution alliance, whereby the latter will distribute the former's schemes across its 105 branches and 13 extension counters in major cities of the country. The tie-up will provide an opportunity to Saraswat Bank customers to invest in Sundaram Schemes.
COSMOS CO-OP. BANK ENTERS 102ND YEAR
Cosmos Co-operative Bank a multi state scheduled bank based in Pune completed 101 years on 18th January, 2007 and entered into its 102nd year. The Chairman of the Bank Dr. M.L. Abhyankar in a release issued on the occasion highlighted the Bank's some recent achievements.
Authorized Dealer Licence for the Bank
After 8 years' of patient and persistent follow up, RBI accepted the bank's request and granted A.D. licence on 18th January, 2007. Cosmos Bank has been given the topmost category i.e. A.D. Licence Category-I. This makes the bank eligible to undertake all sorts of foreign exchange business which other commercial banks in the country are authorized to do. Cosmos Bank has planned to set up its own Foreign Exchange Department in Mumbai soon.

The bank's Chairman has given credit for this to the proactive and progressive policy of RBI since Dr. Y.V. Reddy took over as Governor and Smt. Usha Thorat as Deputy Governor in-charge of UBD and Smt. Shyamala Gopinath as Deputy Governor in-charge of forex department. The trio, Dr. Abhyankar feels, has adopted an encouraging policy like allowing good UCBs facilities like currency chest, foreign exchange licence and RTGS. According to him since Cosmos Bank is satisfying all RBI norms in every respect, it is now being properly recognized and rewarded by RBI.
Highest Deposit Collection in 45 days
Cosmos introduced a new scheme 'Cosmo Vrudhi' on its 101st anniversary of offering 9% to general public and 9.5% to senior citizens as maximum rate of interest on their deposits. Two conditions have been imposed in this scheme: (i) the deposit has to be for a fixed duration either of 18 months or 36 months, and (ii) this should be a fresh deposit and not a renewal. The Bank was a little apprehensive while introducing the scheme. But the scheme which closed on 18th January, 2007 received an unprecedented response. While during the last 101 years, the Bank has been able to raise a total of Rs.4,000 crores as deposits, during the 45 days, for which the scheme was open the Bank mobilized Rs.400 crores and above.
Bank wins Gujarat Govt's confidence
Since the debacle of Madhavpura Mercantile Coop. Bank (MMCB) in Gujarat in 2001 and consequential fall of many other medium and small UCBs in the State which had kept their surplus funds with MMCB, the Govt. of Gujarat had imposed a blanket ban on all cooperative institutions of Gujarat forbidding them to keep their surplus money with any bank, especially UCBs. But the situation is gradually reversing the people and businessmen of Gujarat are turning back to UCBs which offer courteous and personal service. It is at this point that Cosmos Bank has entered the state of Gujarat in a big way by acquiring two UCBs.

On 8th January, 2007, the Govt. of Gujarat issued a circular permitting cooperative institutions in the State to deposit their surplus funds with any of the 9 listed banks. Out of these 2 are nationalized banks, 3 are joint stock commercial banks, 3 are large private Indian banks. There is only one UCB and that is Cosmos Bank.
Abhyudaya Coop. Bank gets Multi-State Status
Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies, New Delhi has approved the application of Abhyudaya Coop. Bank, the Mumbai based Scheduled bank for its conversion into a Multi State Cooperative Bank w.e.f. 11.01.2007 under Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 2002. The area of operation of the bank now stands extended to the State of Karnataka. The Bank is also pursuing with the Registrars of Coop. Societies of Gujarat and Goa for their concurrence for extending the area of operation of the bank to their respective States.

In July 2006, Pune based Citizens Coop. Bank Ltd. having 13 branches merged with Abhyudaya Bank.

Abhyudaya Coop. Bank had deposits at Rs.2094 crores, Loans & Advances at Rs.1155 crores, Investments at Rs.1596 crores and Share Capital and Reserves at Rs.633 crores as on 31.12.2006. The net NPAs were 0%. The Bank has a network of 53 branches spread over Metropolitan Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Thane and Raigad District of Maharashtra. The Bank is implementing total branch connectivity and has already adopted Core Banking Solution covering 33 branches and work on connectivity of the remaining branches is nearing completion. The Bank is also pursuing with the Registrars of Cooperative Societies of Gujarat and Goa for their concurrence for extending their area of operation to these states.
Dharmavir Sambhaji Coop. Bank awarded ISO Certification
The two branches of Dharmavir Sambhaji Urban Coop. Bank, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Pune, located in Kasarwadi and Sangvi have been awarded ISO 9001 : 2000 certification by NQAQSR.
2 UCBs among winners of Delhi's Best Coop. Bank Award
Vaish Cooperative Commercial Bank, Delhi and Indraprastha Sahakari Bank along with Delhi State Cooperative Bank were the joint winners of Delhi Best Bank 2006. The Award was presented by the Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Sheela Dixit at a function organized by Delhi State Cooperative Union and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Delhi to mark 53rd Cooperative Week Celebrations.
HSBC ties up Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank for Microfinance
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has signed an arrangement with Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank, based in Mhaswad, in Satara, Maharashtra, under which the latter will operate as HSBC's corresponding bank and also help identify borrowers for microfinance schemes. 

The arrangement was signed by Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Country Head, HSBC, and Ms. Chetana Gala Sinha, Chairperson, Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank on Dec.2, 2006. Ms. Kidwai said HSBC would offer its cash management system for the cooperative bank's customers to help them cut down the time lag between depositing a cheque and actual collection of funds.

Mann Deshi Mahila Bank will also extend microfinance assistance to its members to undertake activities in self employment for which HSBC has extended a financial support of Rs.45 lakh. The arrangement is akin to a 'line of credit' between two banks.
Astha, Bajaj Allianz sign Bancassurance Pact
Astha Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank signed an agreement with the Bajaj Allianz Insurance Company for undertaking insurance business on referral basis as per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines. The arrangement was signed in Bhopal on November 20, 2006 in the presence of the Bank Chairperson Smt. Aarti Bisaria.
IFFCO-Takio in Bancassurance Pact with 3 UCBs of Delhi
The IFFCO-Takio General Insurance Company Ltd. (ITGI) has entered into tie-up arrangement for referral sale of its products with the following UCBs of Delhi:
1. Delhi Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd.
2. Jamia Cooperative Bank Ltd.
3. Indraprastha Sahakari Bank Ltd.
The Company is in the process of exploring similar tie-up arrangements with other Urban Cooperative Banks of Delhi and adjoining areas.
Belgaum Mahila Sahakari Bank enters Bancassurance, to collect Municipal Taxes
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance/General Insurance Ltd., and Belgaum Zilla Rani Channamma Mahila Sahakari Bank Niyamit, have announced a bancassurance deal. As per the MoU signed between the two, Rani Channamma Bank will distribute the entire range of products offered by Bajaj Allianz and the Bank has also tied up with City Corporation of Belgaum for collecting Municipal Tax in all its Belgaum Branches.
Credit Societies
Shramdeep Urban Coop. Credit Society awarded gold medal by Swiss Foundation
Shri Shramdeep Urban Cooperative Credit Society Ltd., Surat has been awarded Gold Medal for Excellence in Business Practice by the Foundation for Excellence in Business Practice-Geneva (Switzerland).
The society collects electricity bills on behalf of Torrent Power Ltd. Surat. It also offers Safe Deposit Lockers Facility to the members and public. The society carries out various Welfare Activities for its members such as Medical Relief, Educational Aid and financial help to widows. The society has been contributing to Drought-Scarcity Relief Fund and Earthquake Relief Fund of Chief Minister.
C.D. Coop. Credit Society celebrates Golden Jubilee
The C.D. Cooperative Credit Society with H.O. in Gohar, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh celebrated its Golden Jubilee Year at a function organized at Mandi, on November 6, 2006. Smt. Pratibha Singh, Member of Parliament from Mandi Parliamentary Constituency was the Chief Guest at the function which was attended by three thousand persons, mostly members of the society. The Chairman of the society, Shri Shiv Lal while narrating the history and achievements of the society urged the Chief Guest to get income tax exemption under section 80(P)(2) restored. The Member of Parliament assured the gathering that the matter would be personally taken up with the Hon'ble Finance Minister and if need be, the matter would be raised in the Parliament. The Chief Guest was all praise for the functioning and growth of the society, which has at the moment 4922 members with Rs.2.59 crores of share capital. The working capital of the society has touched Rs.20 crores. She applauded the work done by the society in relation to the women empowerment and social security and wished it all success for high growth in future.