Module 3: Cooperative Banking Structure & State Comparison (Figure 5.6.2)

Bihar has a very limited presence of cooperative banks when compared to cooperative-rich states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The institutional base of cooperative banking in Bihar has remained largely static in recent years.

Structure of Cooperative Banks in Bihar:

• Bihar State Cooperative Bank (Apex level): Branch network has remained stationary at 12 branches.
• District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs - District level): Branch count increased marginally from 312 to 323 branches.
• Total combined branches of State and District Central Cooperative Banks stood at 335 branches in 2019-20.

Figure 5.6.2: Total Branches of State & DCCBs across Major States (March 2019–20)

• All India: 14,605 branches
• Maharashtra: 3,768 branches (highest in India)
• Gujarat: 1,422 branches
• Madhya Pradesh: 1,421 branches
• Uttar Pradesh: 890 branches
• Bihar: 335 branches

This stark regional disparity highlights why cooperative credit has historically struggled to meet the crop loan requirements of small and marginal farmers in Bihar.