<h1>RBI Directs SLBCs to Ensure Banking in Rural Areas with 5,000+ Population; Finance Ministry Supports Initiative.</h1> The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a directive on June 8, 2017, instructing State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs) to identify and establish banking services in Unbanked Rural Centres (URCs) in villages with populations over 5,000. The RBI reported that many such villages are now served by banks across various States and Union Territories. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance, on December 18, 2017, urged SLBCs to address the issue of villages lacking adequate banking facilities and to develop action plans for establishing banking outlets. This information was provided by the Minister of State for Finance in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.