November 4, 2025

Get ready, India! The government is cooking up a big plan to review and improve Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in state-run banks. What’s on the menu? Making banking super easy and powerful for everyone, especially in smaller towns and cities. Right now, there are 114 DBUs spread across 104 districts. But the government wants to do more than just count branches. They want these desks to roll out campaigns for opening new accounts, updating nomination details, and signing people up for helpful social security schemes. An anonymous executive from a state-run bank shared, "We will be sharing our progress on DBUs as part of our second-quarter report on initiatives under the EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) bank reforms. The idea is to further align the DBU set up with ongoing government initiatives like re-KYC and the campaign on unclaimed financial assets." That means these units will help customers verify their KYC regularly and find rightful owners of unclaimed money lurking in old bank accounts. But wait, there's more! Since most DBUs are in tier-5 or tier-6 cities — those lesser-known but buzzing places — the government wants to spread financial literacy like wildfire. They are already running camps to teach people about money, cyber safety, and government schemes. Another bank executive explained, "We also take the lead in encouraging customers to take virtual workshops on issues such as cybersecurity and other government campaigns." What’s a DBU anyway? It’s a digital spot where people can open savings accounts, print passbooks, transfer money, and even apply for loans — all mostly self-service, any time of the year! The government made it easy for banks in the 2023 budget. Scheduled commercial banks with prior digital experience can open these DBUs from big cities (tier-1) to small towns (tier-6) without waiting for special RBI permission. They are treated just like any other bank branch, as per RBI rules from April 2022. So, buckle up! With these lively and technology-driven units spreading across India, financial inclusion is no longer a dream but a happening reality. Clear, quick, and convenient banking might soon be just a DBU visit away!

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Tags: Digital Banking Units, Financial inclusion, Re-Kyc, Unclaimed Assets, State-Run Banks, Ease Reforms,