RBI Central Board member and senior cooperator Satish Marathe has called for a major expansion of India’s cooperative banking network, saying it is essential for deepening financial inclusion, accelerating GDP growth and achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, he maintained that the country still faces a significant shortage of grassroots banking institutions, particularly cooperative banks that cater to local communities. Marathe observed that nearly 100 cities in India still do not have cooperative banking facilities. He also stressed the need for a substantial expansion of the Urban Cooperative Banking sector. According to Marathe, India requires at least 2,500 Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) considering its size and population.