The Raghuram Rajan Committee has recommended that RBI allow private companies to launch Local Area Banks (LABs) which will have a jurisdiction of 3 contigous districts.
This move which is aimed to increase the population under banking system will in all probability see a lot many financial institutions mushroom up in the semi-urban & rural areas.
The LABs will have an option to become small finance banks with a capital base below Rs 300 Crores if they show a good track record & want to raise their own deposits.