<h1>Urban Cooperative Banks Expand Rural Reach, Offer Agricultural Loans; Sound UCBs Can Open ATMs Freely.</h1> Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) initially operated only in urban and semi-urban areas but were allowed to expand to peripheral rural areas within 10 km of their registration district in 1994. UCBs can now open branches anywhere in their approved areas and finance agricultural activities, which are considered priority sector advances. By March 31, 2014, UCBs provided Rs. 5791 crore in agricultural credit, comprising 5.934% of their priority sector advances. Financially Sound and Well Managed UCBs with a net worth over Rs. 50 crore can open off-site/mobile ATMs without RBI approval, while others need prior approval.