The Maharaja Bank was initially established by 1,530 shareholders, the
bank has served as a financial solution for various sections of society,
particularly benefiting the poor and middle-class communities. Over its 24-year
journey, the bank has garnered trust and expanded its reach. As of October 31,
2024, The Maharaja Bank is progressing with a share capital of ₹15.10 crores,
contributed by 4,582 shareholders.
Deposits: By the end of its first financial year (March 31, 2001), the bank had
accumulated ₹10.96 crores in deposits from 1,516 depositors. As of October 31,
2024, the bank’s deposits have risen to ₹281.24 crores, serving 9,631
depositors. One notable initiative, the Maharaja Yuva deposit scheme,
introduced in 2022, encourages young people under the age of 25 to save with
the bank. This scheme offers interest rates equivalent to those provided to
senior citizens.
Loans: The bank adheres
to a credit and investment policy aligned with Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
regulations. Legal opinions are sought from experienced lawyers, and valuation
reports are obtained from engineers for real estate loans. As of March 31,
2001, the bank had disbursed ₹5.46 crores in loans. To date, this has increased
to ₹206.20 crores, in line with the bank's priorities to support sectors
identified by its Board of Management.
Recognition as a Tier-II Bank:
Co-operative banks are classified by the RBI into four tiers based on deposit
size. Maharaja Bank has been recognized as a Tier-2 Co-operative Bank
since 2016, as its deposits are between ₹100 crores and ₹1,000 crores.
Expansion of Bank Branches: The bank’s
first branch was opened in Visakhapatnam on May 5, 2000. Over the years, the
bank has expanded its branch network across multiple locations. It opened its
second branch in Gajuwaka in 2014, followed by branches in Butchirajupalem,
Madhurwada, and MVP Colony. After a hiatus due to RBI
restrictions, the bank resumed opening branches in 2023. Notably, it expanded
to new locations such as Sujathanagar (May 2023), Kakinada Bhanugudi
Junction (June 2023), Kurmannapalem (February 2024), Tuni
(August 2024), and Anakapalle (December 2024), reaching a total of 10
branches across the state.
Awards and Recognition: Maharaja
Bank has consistently received awards for its performance in cooperative
banking. It has been honoured annually since 2019 at the national level
business competitions organized by Banco Blue Ribbon. The bank has also
received two awards in the Best KYC Initiative category at the Frontiers
in Cooperative Banking Awards by Banking Frontiers. Additionally, it
was named the Best Cooperative Bank in Andhra Pradesh at the Bharath
Sahakaritha Samman-2024.
Deposit Insurance: Depositors in the
bank are covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
(DICGC), a subsidiary of the RBI, which guarantees up to ₹5 lakh insurance
for each depositor. The bank regularly pays insurance premiums of 12 paise per ₹100
twice a year.
Social Responsibility: The bank
also contributes to social welfare by providing incentives to children of staff
and members who score over 90% in their 10th and intermediate exams.
Additionally, donations are made annually to orphanages, charities, welfare
institutions, and temples.
Area of Operation: Initially, the
bank’s operations were confined to Visakhapatnam district. Over time, it
expanded to Vizianagaram, East Godavari, Srikakulam, West Godavari, and Krishna
districts. In 2024, the bank received approval from the Co-operative
Department and RBI to expand its operations throughout the state of
Andhra Pradesh.
Looking ahead, Maharaja Co-operative Urban Bank aims to
continue its expansion and contribute to the social and economic development of
the region, ensuring that people from all walks of life benefit from its
financial services.