FAQs on Pension Payment by Banks

FAQs on Pension Payment by Banks

Can a pensioner draw his/ her pension through a bank branch?

Yes. Even the Government employees drawing their pension from a treasury or from a post office can opt to draw their pension from the authorized bank's branches.

Who is the pension sanctioning authority?

The Ministry/ Department /Office where the Government servant last served is the pension sanctioning authority. The pension fixation is made by such authority for the first time and thereafter the refixation of pay, if any, is done by the pension paying bank based on the instructions from the Central/ State Government authorities.

Is it necessary for the pensioner to open a separate pension account for the purpose of crediting his/ her pension in authorized bank?

The pensioner is not required to open a separate pension account. The pension can be credited to his or her existing savings/ current account maintained with the branch selected by the pensioner.

Can a pensioner open a Joint Account with his/ her spouse?

Yes. Pensioners can open Joint Account with their spouses.

Whether Joint Account of the pensioner with spouse can be operated either by "Former or Survivor" or " Either or Survivor".

The Joint Account of the pensioner with spouse can be operated either by "Former or Survivor" or "Either or Survivor".

What is the minimum balance required to be maintained in the pension account maintained with the banks?

RBI has not stipulated any minimum balance to be maintained in pension accounts by the pensioners. Individual banks have framed their own rules in this regard. However, some of the banks have also permitted zero balance in the pensioners' accounts.

Who sends the Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) to the authorized bank branch?

The concerned pension paying authorities in the Ministries /Departments/ State Governments forward the PPOs to the bank branches wherefrom the pensioner desires to draw his/her pension.

When is the pension credited to the pensioner's account by the paying branch?

The disbursement of pension by paying branch is spread over the last four working days of the month depending on the convenience of the pension paying branch except for the month of March when the pension is credited on or after the first working day of April.

Can a pensioner transfer his/ her pension account from one branch to another branch of the same bank or to the branch of another bank?

(a) Pensioner can transfer his/ her pension account from one branch to another branch of the same bank within the same center or at a different centre;
(b) He/ She can transfer his/ her account from one authorized bank to another within the same centre (such transfers are allowed only once in a year);
(c) He/ She can also transfer his/ her account from one authorized bank to another authorized bank at different centre.

What is the procedure for payment of pension in the case of the transfer of PPO to another branch or bank, as the case may be?

Pension will be paid on the basis of the photocopy of the pensioner's PPO at the transferee (new) branch from the date of the last date of payment made at the transferor (old) branch. During this time, both the branches (old and new) are required to ensure that all the required documents are received by the transferee branch within a period of three months.

Is it necessary for the pensioner to be present at the branch of the bank along with documents for the purpose of identification before commencement of pension?

Yes. Before the commencement of pension, a pensioner has to be present at the paying branch for the purpose of identification. The paying branch shall obtain the specimen signatures or the thumb/toe impression of the pensioner.

What is the procedure to be followed by the bank branch if the pensioner is handicapped /incapacitated and is not in a position to be present at the paying branch?

If the pensioner is physically handicapped/incapacitated and unable to present at the branch, the requirement of personal appearance is waived. In such cases the bank official visits the pensioner's residence/hospital for the purpose of identification and obtaining specimen signature or thumb/toe impression.

Has the pensioner got right to retain half portion of the PPO for record and to get it updated from paying branch whenever there is a change in the quantum of pension due to revision in basic pension, dearness relief, etc.?

Yes. The pensioner has right to retain half portion of the PPO for record and whenever there is a revision in the basic pension/DR etc. the paying branch has to call for the pensioner's half of the PPO and record thereon the changes according to government orders/notifications and return the same to the pensioner.

Whether the paying branch has to maintain a detailed record of pension payments made by it in the prescribed form?

Yes. The pension paying branch is required to maintain a detailed record of pension payments made by it from time to time in the prescribed form duly authenticated by the authorized officer.

Can the pension paying bank recover the excess amount credited to the pensioner's account?

Yes. The paying branch before commencement of pension obtains an undertaking from the pensioner in the prescribed form for this purpose and therefore, can recover the excess payment made to the pensioner's account due to delay in receipt of any material information or due to any bonafide error. The bank has also right to recover the excess amount of pension credited to the deceased pensioner's account from his/ her legal heirs/nominee.

Is it compulsory for a pensioner to furnish a Life Certificate/Non-Employment Certificate or Employment Certificate to the bank in the month of November?

Yes. The pensioner is required to furnish a Life Certificate/Non - Employment Certificate or Employment Certificate to the bank in the month of November. However, in case a pensioner is unable to obtain a Life Certificate from an authorized bank officer on account of serious illness / incapacitation, bank official will visit his/her residence/ hospital for the purpose of recording the life certificate.

Can a pensioner be allowed to operate his/ her account by the holder of Power of Attorney?

The account is not allowed to be operated by a holder of Power of Attorney. However, the cheque book facility and acceptance of standing instructions for transfer of funds from the account is permissible.

Who is responsible for deduction of Income Tax at source from pension payment?

The pension paying bank is responsible for deduction of Income Tax from pension amount in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Income Tax authorities from time to time. While deducting such tax from the pension amount, the paying bank will also allow deductions on account of relief to the pensioner available under the Income Tax Act. The paying branch will also issue to the pensioner in April each year a certificate of tax deduction as per the prescribed form. If the pensioner is not liable to pay Income Tax, he should furnish to the pension paying branch, a declaration to that effect in the prescribed form (15 H).

Can old, sick physically handicapped pensioner who is unable to sign, open pension account or withdraw his/ her pension from the pension account?

A pensioner, who is old, sick or lost both his / her hands and, therefore, can not sign, can put any mark or thumb/ toe impression on the form for opening of pension account. While withdrawing the pension amount he/ she can put thumb/toe impression on the cheque/withdrawal form and it should be identified by two independent witnesses known to the bank one of whom should be a bank official.

Can a pensioner withdraw pension from his/ her account when he/ she is not able to sign or put thumb/toe impression or unable to be present in the bank?

In such cases, a pensioner can put any mark or impression on the cheque/ withdrawal form and may indicate to the bank as to who would withdraw pension amount from the bank on the basis of cheque / withdrawal form. Such a person should be identified by two independent witnesses. The person who is actually drawing the money from the bank should be asked to furnish his/ her specimen signature to the bank.

When does the family pension commence?

The family pension commences after the death of the pensioner. The family pension is payable to the person indicated in the PPO on receipt of a death certificate and application from the nominee.

How the payment of Dearness Relief at revised rate is to be paid to the pensioners?

Whenever any additional relief on pension/family pension is sanctioned by the Government, the same is intimated to the agency banks for issuing suitable instructions to their pension paying branches for payment of relief at the revised rates to the pensioners without any delay. The orders issued by Govt. Departments are also posted on their websites and banks have been advised to watch the latest instructions on the website and act accordingly without waiting for any further orders from RBI in this regard.

Can pensioners get pension slips?

Yes. As decided by the Central Government (Civil, Defence & Railways), pension paying banks have been advised to issue pension slips to the pensioners in prescribed form when the pension is paid for the first time and thereafter whenever there is a change in quantum of pension due to revision in basic pension or revision in Dearness Relief.

Which authority the pensioner should approach for redressal of his/ her grievances?

A pensioner can initially approach the concerned Branch Manager and, thereafter, the Head Office of the concerned bank for redressal of his/her complaint. They can also approach the Banking Ombudsman of the concerned State in terms of Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006 of the Reserve Bank of India (details available at the Bank's website www.rbi.org.in) This is applicable only in respect of complaints relating to services rendered by banks. For other issues the complainant will have to approach the respective pension paying authority.

Where can a pensioner get information about the changes in the pension/ Dearness Relief or any pension related issue?

The pensioner can visit the Official Website of the concerned Government Department as also Reserve Bank of India Website (www.rbi.org.in) to get the information about pension related issues.

FAQs on Pension Payment by Banks

Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16

Date : Dec 01, 2015

Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16

By Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan, Governor Monetary and Liquidity Measures On the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation, it has been decided to: keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.75 per cent; keep the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liability (NDTL); continue to provide liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 per cent of bank-wise NDTL at the LAF repo rate and liquidity under 14-day term repos as well as longer term repos of up to 0.75 per cent of NDTL of the banking system through auctions; and continue with daily variable rate repos and reverse repos to smooth liquidity. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 5.75 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 7.75 per cent. Assessment 2. Since the fourth bi-monthly statement of September 2015, global growth continues to be weak. Global trade has slowed further with waning demand and oversupply in several primary commodities and industrial materials. In the United States, inventory accumulation is likely to hold down growth in Q4 of 2015. Industrial production slumped in October on cutbacks in oil drilling, while exports were undermined by the strengthening US dollar. Consumer confidence was, however, supported by the diminishing slack in the labour market. In the Euro area, high frequency indicators such as retail sales, purchasing managers’ indices and unemployment point to an uptick in a still anaemic recovery, with monetary policy expected to be increasingly supportive as risks of undershooting the inflation target persist. In China, slowing nominal GDP growth and high debt continue to raise concerns, especially given the overcapacity in certain sectors. Other emerging market economies (EMEs) continue to face headwinds from domestic structural constraints, shrinking trade volumes and depressed commodity prices. 3. Global financial markets began Q4 on a calmer note after the Federal Open Market Committee stayed on hold in September. Stock markets recorded modest gains in October; major currencies recouped some ground against the US dollar and crude oil traded briefly above US $ 50 per barrel for the first time since July. Markets were also boosted by the easing of monetary policy in China and indications of further stimulus in the Euro area and Japan. Following the early November release of robust US jobs data which increased the likelihood of US monetary policy starting to normalise in December, the US dollar has appreciated significantly, and US yields have hardened. Bond markets in EMEs have generally been tracking the hardening of US yields. Currency markets in EMEs have experienced selling pressures as portfolio investors continue to exit them as an asset class. Unease in investor sentiment is likely to increase ahead of the imminent divergence in advanced economy monetary policy stances. 4. On the domestic front, provisional estimates of gross value added (GVA) at basic prices for Q2 of 2015-16 rose on the back of acceleration in industrial activity. Other indicators suggest the economy is in the early stages of a recovery, though with some areas of continued weakness. 5. Value added in agriculture and allied activities picked up on the modest increase in kharif output and timely policy interventions to stem the effects of the deficient south-west monsoon. Turning to Q3, the north-east monsoon commenced on a listless note, but the subsequent cyclonic weather has improved precipitation and raised the probability of a normal monsoon as predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department. Nevertheless, the exceptionally dry start to the season affected sowing in all major rabi crops, while the excessive rains that followed may have reduced the prospects of coffee and paddy. Overall, the current outlook for agricultural growth in 2015-16 appears moderate at best at this juncture. 6. The Index of Industrial Production picked up in the second quarter. Early results of the Reserve Bank’s order books, inventories and capacity utilisation survey indicate that there was robust growth in new manufacturing orders in the second quarter, and finished goods inventories declined while raw materials inventories increased. Not all indicators, however, are positive. While urban consumption is showing signs of a pick-up in some areas such as passenger vehicles sales, rural demand has been weakened by two consecutive deficient monsoons and slowing construction activity. Nevertheless, new project announcements as measured by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy grew more strongly in the second quarter. It remains to be seen whether growing public investment can crowd in private investment on a sustained basis, despite the still-low capacity utilisation. 7. Lead indicators of services sector are mixed. The services purchasing managers’ index increased in October 2015 on account of improvement in new business orders. Commercial vehicle sales (reflecting transportation demand) and domestic civil aviation passenger traffic accelerated year-on-year. On the other hand, tourist arrivals, cargo handled at major ports, railway freight traffic, domestic and international air cargo traffic, and measures of construction such as steel consumption slowed. Recent policy initiatives relating to rail, port and road projects are likely to improve construction activity, as will the Reserve Bank’s countercyclical reduction of capital charges on low income housing loans, albeit with gestation lags. 8. As anticipated in our previous policy, retail inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) increased for the third successive month in October 2015, pushed up by a surge in the monthly momentum. Food inflation rose sharply in October, driven especially by pulses. 9. CPI inflation excluding food, fuel, petrol and diesel also rose for three consecutive months on account of price increases in respect of housing, recreation and amusement, and personal care and effects. Within this broad category, education and health services contributed most to headline inflation. Households’ inflation expectations remain elevated although they have edged lower recently, perhaps in response to lower prices of petrol and diesel. Rural wage growth, as also corporate staff costs, remain subdued. 10. Underlying liquidity conditions tightened in October-November with the festival season draining currency from the system and some slowdown in government expenditure. In response, the Reserve Bank conducted variable rate repo and reverse repo auctions of various tenors in addition to regular 14-day variable rate repo. As a result, average net daily liquidity absorptions of ₹ 119 billion in Q2 gave way to average daily net injection of ₹ 372 billion in October, which scaled up to ₹ 856 billion in November. Money market rates remained around the policy repo rate – only rising slightly in the second week of November at the height of festival currency demand. Bank credit in the form of personal loans grew strongly as did non-bank financing flows particularly through commercial paper, public equity issues and housing finance. 11. In the external sector, exports contracted for the eleventh month in a row to October, indicative of the persisting weakness in global trade. Excluding petroleum products (PoL), however, the decline in exports was more moderate and early signs of a turnaround are visible in respect of readymade garments, drugs and pharmaceuticals and electronics. With global commodity prices, especially those of crude, softening further, both PoL and non-PoL exports continued to contract, with the latter shrinking for the fourth consecutive month. The decline in bullion imports despite the festival season helped narrow the trade deficit in October as well as over the financial year so far, moderating the current account deficit further. Net foreign direct investment (FDI), external commercial borrowings and accretions to non-resident deposits have risen in relation to last year; however, portfolio outflows from both debt and equity segments rose in November. During 2015-16 (up to November 20), there has been an accretion of US$ 10.8 billion to the foreign exchange reserves. Policy Stance and Rationale 12. In the bi-monthly monetary policy statement of September, the Reserve Bank assessed that the inflation target for January 2016 at 6 per cent was within reach. Accordingly, it front-loaded its policy action in response to weak domestic and global demand that were holding back investment, while noting that structural reforms and productivity improvements would continue to provide the main impetus for sustainable growth. 13. Since then, inflation has turned up as anticipated, and is expected to rise further until December before plateauing. Although the seasonal moderation in prices of vegetables and fruits is expected to provide some respite, the El Nino induced shortening of winter may limit this effect. The early indications of rabi sowing together with low reservoir levels suggest that astute supply management by the central government, including close coordination with State governments, is necessary to minimize any shortfall in the rabi crop. While oil prices, barring geopolitical shocks, are expected to remain benign for a few quarters more, the uptick of CPI inflation excluding food and fuel for two months in succession warrants vigilance. Taking all this into consideration, inflation is expected to broadly follow the path set out in the September review with risks slightly to the downside (Chart 1). 14. The outlook for agriculture is subdued, in view of both rabi and kharif prospects being hit by monsoon vagaries. While there are areas of robust growth in manufacturing such as capital goods and passenger cars, weak rural and external demand holds back stronger overall growth. Similarly, while prospects for a revival in service sector activity have been boosted by optimism on new business, pockets of lacklustre activity such as construction weigh on the overall outlook. The step-up in public capital spending and the easing stance of monetary policy provide the enabling environment for a revival in private investment demand, supported by easing input prices and improving conditions for doing business. The growth projection for 2015-16 has accordingly been kept unchanged at 7.4 per cent with a mild downside bias (Chart 2). 15. The Reserve Bank will follow developments on commodity prices, especially food and oil, even while tracking inflationary expectations and external developments. The implementation of the Pay Commission proposals, and its effect on wages and rents, will also be a factor in the Reserve Bank’s future deliberations, though its direct effect on aggregate demand is likely to be offset by appropriate budgetary tightening as the Government stays on the fiscal consolidation path. In the meantime, since the rate reduction cycle that commenced in January, less than half of the cumulative policy repo rate reduction of 125 bps has been transmitted by banks. The median base lending rate has declined only by 60 bps. The Reserve Bank will shortly finalise the methodology for determining the base rate based on the marginal cost of funds, which all banks will move to. The Government is examining linking small savings interest rates to market interest rates. These moves should further help transmission of policy rates into lending rates. In addition, the on-going clean-up of bank balance sheets will help create room for fresh lending. The Reserve Bank will use the space for further accommodation, when available, while keeping the economy anchored to the projected disinflation path that should take inflation down to 5 per cent by March 2017. 16. The sixth bi-monthly monetary policy statement will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Alpana Killawala Principal Chief General Manager Press Release : 2015-2016/1278

Revised Framework for ECB Policy announced

Date : Nov 30, 2015

Revised Framework for ECB Policy announced

Keeping in view the macro-economic developments and the experience gained in administering the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) regime over the last 10 years, the Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the Government of India, has reviewed the extant ECB framework. Accordingly, a circular containing the revised ECB framework has been released today. The overarching principles of the revised framework are: A more liberal approach, with fewer restrictions on end uses, higher all-in-cost ceiling, etc., for long term foreign currency borrowings as the extended term makes repayments more sustainable and minimises roll-over risks for the borrower; Similarly, a more liberal approach for Indian Rupee (INR) denominated ECBs where the currency risk is borne by the lender; Expansion of the list of overseas lenders to include long term lenders like Sovereign Wealth Funds, Pension Funds, insurance companies; Only a small negative list of end-use requirements applicable to long-term ECBs & INR denominated ECBs; Raising of limit for small value ECBs with Minimum Average Maturity (MAM) of 3 years to USD 50 million from the existing USD 20 million; and Alignment of the list of infrastructure entities eligible for ECB with the Harmonised List of the Government of India. The framework for ECB as a means to attract flow of funds from abroad will continue to be a major tool to calibrate the policy towards capital account management in response to evolving macro-economic situation. The guidelines will be reviewed after one year based on the experience and evolving macro-economic situation. The revised ECB framework will comprise the following three tracks: Track I : Medium term foreign currency denominated ECB with MAM of 3/5 years Track II : Long term foreign currency denominated ECB with MAM of 10 years Track III : Indian Rupee denominated ECB with MAM of 3/5 years The Reserve Bank of India has issued the operational guidelines for the revised framework which will come into force with effect from the date of publication of the relative Regulation framed under FEMA, 1999 in the official gazette. A transitional period upto March 31, 2016 has been allowed to ECBs contracted till commencement of the revised framework and in respect of special schemes which are to end by March 31, 2016. It may be recalled that a draft of the proposed ECB framework was placed in the public domain for wider consultation in September 2015. Alpana Killawala Principal Chief General Manager Press Release : 2015-2016/1275

FAQ on RTGS and NEFT

FAQ on RTGS and NEFT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on

Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System

Q1.      What is RTGS System?

Ans. The acronym 'RTGS' stands for Real Time Gross Settlement, which can be defined as the continuous (real-time) settlement of funds transfers individually on an order by order basis (without netting). 'Real Time' means the processing of instructions at the time they are received rather than at some later time; 'Gross Settlement' means the settlement of funds transfer instructions occurs individually (on an instruction by instruction basis). Considering that the funds settlement takes place in the books of the Reserve Bank of India, the payments are final and irrevocable.

Q2.      How RTGS is different from National Electronics Funds Transfer System (NEFT)?

Ans. NEFT is an electronic fund transfer system that operates on a Deferred Net Settlement (DNS) basis which settles transactions in batches. In DNS, the settlement takes place with all transactions received till the particular cut-off time. These transactions are netted (payable and receivables) in NEFT whereas in RTGS the transactions are settled individually. For example, currently, NEFT operates in hourly batches. [There are twelve settlements from 8 am to 7 pm on week days and six settlements from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.] Any transaction initiated after a designated settlement time would have to wait till the next designated settlement time Contrary to this, in the RTGS transactions are processed continuously throughout the RTGS business hours.

Q3.      Is there any minimum / maximum amount stipulation for RTGS transactions?

Ans. The RTGS system is primarily meant for large value transactions. The minimum amount to be remitted through RTGS is ` 2 lakh. There is no upper ceiling for RTGS transactions.

Q4.      What is the time taken for effecting funds transfer from one account to another under RTGS?

Ans. Under normal circumstances the beneficiary branches are expected to receive the funds in real time as soon as funds are transferred by the remitting bank. The beneficiary bank has to credit the beneficiary's account within two hours of receiving the funds transfer message.

Q5.      Would the remitting customer receive an acknowledgement of money credited to the beneficiary's account?

Ans. The remitting bank receives a message from the Reserve Bank that money has been credited to the receiving bank. Based on this the remitting bank can advise the remitting customer through SMS that money has been credited to the receiving bank.

Q6.      Would the remitting customer get back the money if it is not credited to the beneficiary's account? When?

Ans. Yes. Funds, received by a RTGS member for the credit to a beneficiary customer’s account, will be returned to the originating RTGS member within two hours of the receipt of the payment at the PI of the recipient bank or before the end of the RTGS Business day, whichever is earlier, if it is not possible to credit the funds to the beneficiary customer’s account for any reason e.g. account does not exist, account frozen, etc. Once the money is received back by the remitting bank, the original debit entry in the customer's account is reversed.

Q7.      Till what time RTGS service window is available?

Ans. The RTGS service window for customer's transactions is available to banks from 9.00 hours to 16.30 hours on week days and from 9.00 hours to 14:00 hours on Saturdays for settlement at the RBI end. However, the timings that the banks follow may vary depending on the customer timings of the bank branches.

Q8.      What about Processing Charges / Service Charges for RTGS transactions?

Ans. With a view to rationalize the service charges levied by banks for offering funds transfer through RTGS system, a broad framework has been mandated as under:

(a) Inward transactions – Free, no charge to be levied.

(b) Outward transactions 2 lakh to 5 lakh not exceeding 30 per transaction;
Above 5 lakh – not exceeding 55 per transaction.

Q9.      What is the essential information that the remitting customer would have to furnish to a bank for the remittance to be effected?

Ans. The remitting customer has to furnish the following information to a bank for initiating a RTGS remittance:

1.    Amount to be remitted

2.    Remitting customer’s account number which is to be debited

3.    Name of the beneficiary bank and branch

4.    Name of the beneficiary customer

5.    Account number of the beneficiary customer

6.    Sender to receiver information, if any

7.    The IFSC Number of the receiving branch

Q10.    How would one know the IFSC code of the receiving branch?

Ans. The beneficiary customer can obtain the IFSC code from his bank branch. The IFSC code is also available on the cheque leaf. The list of IFSCs is also available on the RBI website (http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/RTGS/DOCs/RTGEB0112.xls). This code number and bank branch details can be communicated by the beneficiary to the remitting customer.

Q11.    Do all bank branches in India provide RTGS service?

Ans. No. All the bank branches in India are not RTGS enabled. Presently, there are more than 100000 RTGS enabled bank branches. The list of such branches is available on RBI website at: http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/RTGS/DOCs/RTGEB0112.xls

Q12.    Is there any way that a remitting customer can track the remittance transaction?

Ans. It would depend on the arrangement between the remitting customer and the remitting bank. Some banks with internet banking facility provide this service. Once the funds are credited to the account of the beneficiary bank, the remitting customer gets a confirmation from his bank either by an e-mail or SMS. Customer may also contact RTGS / NEFT Customer Facilitation Centres of the banks, for tracking a transaction.

Q13.    Whom do I can contact, in case of non-credit or delay in credit to the beneficiary account?

Ans. Contact your bank / branch. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, complaint may be lodged to the Customer Service Department of RBI at -

The Chief General Manager
Reserve Bank of India
Customer Service Department
1st Floor, Amar Building, Fort
Mumbai – 400 001
Or send email

Q14.    How can a remitting customer know whether the bank branch of the beneficiary accepts remittance through RTGS?

Ans. For a funds transfer to go through RTGS, both the sending bank branch and the receiving bank branch would have to be RTGS enabled. The lists are readily available at all RTGS enabled branches. Besides, the information is available at RBI website (http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/RTGS/DOCs/RTGEB0112.xls). Considering that more than 100000 branches at more than 20,000 cities / towns / taluka places are covered under the RTGS system, getting this information would not be difficult.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on

National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) System

Q.1.     What is NEFT System?

Ans. National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system is a nation wide funds transfer system to facilitate transfer of funds from any bank branch to any other bank branch.

Q.2.     Are all bank branches in the system part of the funds transfer network?

Ans. No. As on January 31, 2007, 18500 branches of 53 banks are participating. Steps are being taken to widen the coverage both in terms of banks and branches.

Q.3.     Whether the system is centre specific or has any geographical restriction?

Ans. No, there is no restriction in the number of centres or of any geographical area. The system uses the concept of centralised accounting system and the bank's account that are sending or receiving the funds transfer instructions, gets operated at one centre, viz, Mumbai only. The individual branches participating in NEFT could be located anywhere across the country, as detailed in the list provided on RBI website.

Q.4.     What is the funds availability schedule for the beneficiary?

Ans. The beneficiary gets the credit on the same Day or the next Day depending on the time of settlement.

Q.5.     How does the NEFT system operate?

Ans. Step-1: The remitter fills in the NEFT Application form giving the particulars of the beneficiary (bank-branch, beneficiary's name, account type and account number) and authorises the branch to remit the specified amount to the beneficiary by raising a debit to the remitter's account. (This can also be done by using net banking services offered by some of the banks)

Step-2: The remitting branch prepares a Structured Financial Messaging Solution (SFMS) message and sends it to its Service Centre for NEFT.

Step-3: The Service Centre forwards the same to the local RBI (National Clearing Cell, Mumbai) to be included for the next available settlement. Presently, NEFT is settled in six batches at 0930, 1030, 1200, 1300, 1500 and 1600 hours on weekdays and 0930, 1030 and 1200 hours on Saturdays

Step-4: The RBI at the clearing centre sorts the transactions bank-wise and prepares accounting entries of net debit or credit for passing on to the banks participating in the system. Thereafter, bank-wise remittance messages are transmitted to banks.

Step-5: The receiving banks process the remittance messages received from RBI and affect the credit to the beneficiaries' accounts.

Q.6.     How is this NEFT System an improvement over the existing RBI-EFT System?

Ans. The RBI-EFT system is confined to the 15 centres where RBI is providing the facility, whereas there is no such restriction in NEFT as it is based on the centralised concept. The detailed list of branches of various banks participating in NEFT system is available on our website. The system also uses the state-of-the-art technology for the communication, security etc, and thereby offers better customer service.

Q.7.     How is it different from RTGS and EFT?

Ans. NEFT is an electronic payment system to transfer funds from any part of country to any other part of the country and works on net settlement basis, unlike RTGS that works on gross settlement basis. While EFT is restricted to the fifteen centers (only where RBI offices are located), NEFT is a nation-wide electronic fund transfer system.

Q.8.     Any limit on the amount of individual transaction?

Ans. There is no value limit for individual transactions.

Q.9.     What about Processing Charges/Service Charges

Ans. While RBI has waived the processing charges till March 31, 2008, levy of service charges by banks is left to the discretion of the respective banks. The bank-wise details of charges levied are available on the RBI website.

Q.10.   How will I know which are the branches participating in the NEFT?

Ans. RBI publishes the list of bank branches participating in the NEFT on its website i.e. www.rbi.org.in.

Q.11.   What is IFS Code (IFSC)? How it is different from MICR code?

Ans. Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is an alpha numeric code designed to uniquely identify the bank-branches in India. This is 11 digit code with first 4 characters representing the banks code, the next character reserved as control character (Presently 0 appears in the fifth position) and remaining 6 characters to identify the branch. The MICR code has 9 digits to identify the bank-branch. 

Q.12.   How will I know, what is the IFS Code of my bank-branch?

Ans. RBI had since advised all the banks to print IFSC on cheques leaves issued to their customers. You may also contact your bank-branch and get the IFS Code of that branch.

Q.13.   Whom I can contact, in case of non-credit or delay in credit to the beneficiary account?

Ans. Contact your bank/branch. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the Customer Service Department of RBI may be contacted on cgmcsd@rbi.org.in or write to:

The Chief General Manager,

Reserve Bank of India,

Customer Service Department,

1st Floor, Amar Building, Fort,

Mumbai-400001

Q.14.   Is it necessary to have a bank account to originate the NEFT transaction?

Ans. Yes, NEFT is an account to account funds transfer system.

Q.15.   Is it necessary that the beneficiary should have an account at the destination bank-branch?

Ans. Yes, NEFT is an account to account funds transfer system.

Q.16.   Can I receive foreign remittances through NEFT?

Ans. This system can be used only for remitting Indian Rupee among the participating banks within the country.

Q.17.   Can I send remittances abroad using the NEFT?

Ans. No

Q.18.   Can I originate a transaction to receive funds from another account?

Ans. No

Q.19.   Can I send/receive funds from/to NRI accounts?

Ans. Yes, subject to applicability of provisions of FEMA

Q.20.   Would the remitting customer receive an acknowledgement of money having been credited to the beneficiary's account?

Ans. Acknowledgement is generated for the customer at his branch informing him that his remittance is received by the beneficiary. However the mode of communication would depend on the facility provided by bank / branch.

Q.21.   Would the remitting customer get back the money if it is not credited to the beneficiary’s account?

Ans. Yes, the remitting customer gets back the money if it is not credited to the beneficiary account.

Q.22.   Till what time NEFT service window is available?

Ans. There are six settlements at 0930, 1030, 1200, 1300, 1500 and 1600 hours on weekdays and 0930, 1030 and 1200 hours on Saturdays.

Q.23.   What is the essential information that the remitting customer would have to furnish for the remittance to be effected?

Ans. The essential information that the remitting customer has to furnish is:

·         Beneficiary details such as beneficiary name and account number

·         Name and IFSC of the beneficiary bank branch.

Q.24.   Is there any way a remitting customer can track the remittance transaction?

Ans. The remitting customer can track the remitting transaction through the remitting branch only, as the remitting branch is informed about the status of the remitted transactions.

Precautions when using NEFT and RTGS Transfer Systems

An electronic funds transfer (EFT) is generally considered both secure and safe since they have built-in security features. However, since they are often coursed through different communication mechanisms, it is also important to understand what precautions you need to take to stay safe.

Precautions:

·         Ignore emails supposedly coming from your bank, from PayPal or from you credit card service provider informing you that your account with them has been compromised. Usually, this also comes with an official-looking request and forms to fill up wherein you will provide all your personal information. The standard procedure observed in cases where such information is needed is to submit them directly at the secured website or at the bank itself.

·         Avoid downloading freebies like software applications since this is how malware or spyware gets attached to your PC. Spyware can extract information from your computer without your knowing it and can surreptitiously relay your info to the author of the spyware.

·         In case your credit cards, debit cards or ATM cards have been stolen, report the matter immediately to the credit company or to your depository bank to block all future transactions.

·         Make it a point to review your credit reports periodically if you frequently or regularly make purchases via online stores. Particularly if your credit purchases are your most common electronic transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions or cash advances immediately to the credit reporting bureau and to your credit card service provider.

·         Install additional security software if necessary. Some protection features may include those that can detect and block unusual activities going on in your PC.

·         Keep yourself up to date with the latest trends on how cybercrimes are carried out and know the precautionary measures to take.

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