The objective of amalgamation of the banks is to facilitate consolidation among Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to create strong and competitive banks capable of achieving economies of scale and realisation of synergy benefits with wider product and service offering for customers.

This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

The amalgamation of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank into Bank of Baroda (BoB) was effected on 1.4.2019. As per the input received from BoB, the total number of branches of the amalgamating banks i.e. BoB, erstwhile Dena Bank (eDB) and erstwhile Vijaya Bank (eVB), as on 31.3.2019, was 9,447 which increased to 9,481 branches as part of the amalgamated entity, as on 29.2.2020, and the rural branches too increased from 2,930 to 2,934 during this period.

Shri Thakur further stated that BoB has apprised that the rural footprint of the amalgamated bank has also increased since amalgamation and with the increased reach and enhanced business engagement with the rural people and farmers, visible gains are incurred including, inter alia, priority sector lending has increased by ₹ 4,253 crore to ₹ 2,23,128 crore, as on 31.12.2019, the cumulative balance of Kisan Credit Cards, increased by ₹ 1,796 crore to ₹ 38,325 crore, as on 7.3.2020, and in 11 months since amalgamation agriculture loan disbursements have increased by ₹ 46,690 crore and access to credit through overdraft amount advanced to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts has increased by ₹ 11.38 crores.

Bank amalgamation expands rural banking reach and priority sector lending after public sector consolidation. The objective of amalgamation of public sector banks is to consolidate PSBs to create stronger banks achieving economies of scale and wider customer offerings. The amalgamation of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank into Bank of Baroda on 1.4.2019 led to a net increase in branches and rural branches. Post amalgamation, Bank of Baroda reports an increased rural footprint with higher priority sector lending, larger cumulative Kisan Credit Card balances, increased agriculture loan disbursements, and expanded overdraft access to Jan Dhan accounts, reflecting enhanced rural credit outreach.