Malhotra emphasized that despite their relatively smaller size compared to commercial banks, cooperative banks remain indispensable to the RBI because they serve the “last mile” and play a central role in financial inclusion. “Where commercial banks often find it difficult to reach, regional rural cooperative banks and urban cooperative banks are present, serving the bottom of the pyramid,” he noted. He assured that RBI is working on solutions, including pilot reforms for urban cooperative banks that could later be extended to rural cooperative banks. Concluding his address, Malhotra affirmed that the RBI is steadily working to align cooperative banks with commercial banks, ensuring equal treatment while removing outdated restrictions. “For us, cooperative banks are as important as commercial banks.