The Reserve Bank advised banks that such banking services need not necessarily be extended through a brick and mortar branch but could be provided also through any of the various forms of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – based models, including Business Correspondents (BCs).
As at the end of March 2012, as reported by the State Level Bankers’ Committees of various States/ Union Territories, banking outlets have been opened in 74199 villages across the various States in the country. This comprises of 2493 branches, 69374 business correspondents and 2332 other modes like rural ATMs, mobile vans, etc.