<h1>Banking Ombudsman Offices Promote Awareness in Rural India; Complaints Fluctuate u/s 35A of Banking Regulation Act.</h1> There are 15 Banking Ombudsman offices across India focused on raising awareness about the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, particularly in rural areas. They engage in awareness campaigns, financial inclusion programs, and participate in state fairs and seminars. Complaints from rural areas initially rose from 13,915 in 2008-09 to 25,055 in 2009-10, then fell to 7,818 in 2010-11, with a slight increase in Punjab. The scheme, under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, serves as an optional dispute resolution mechanism. Appeals can be made by both banks and customers, with the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India as the appellate authority.