The post-independence era marked a significant phase in the evolution of banks in India.
With
the nation gaining sovereignty, the banking sector underwent a series of reforms,
modernisation efforts, and initiatives aimed at financial inclusion. This period witnessed the
gradual transition from a primarily state-controlled banking system to a more liberalised and
technologically-driven landscape, profoundly impacting the Indian economy and its citizens.
Nationalisation and Expansion
One of the most defining moments in the evolution of post-independence Indian banking was
the nationalisation of major banks in 1969. Driven by the aim of social and economic
development, the Indian government took control of 14 major private banks, bringing them
under public ownership. This move sought to democratise access to credit, enhance financial
stability, and redirect resources towards priority sectors such as agriculture and small-scale
industries.
The nationalised banks played a pivotal role in expanding banking services to rural and semi-
urban areas, contributing to financial inclusion. Branch network expansion, directed lending,
and priority sector lending mandates were key strategies employed to bridge the gap between
urban and rural populations.
Modernisation and Technological Advancements
In the 1980s and 1990s, India embarked on a path of economic liberalisation, which had a
profound impact on the banking sector. The era witnessed the entry of private and foreign
banks, introducing competition, innovation, and customer-centric services. The Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) undertook initiatives to modernise the banking infrastructure, including the
implementation of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) systems, which laid the groundwork for
electronic banking and digital payments.
As technology advanced, Indian banks embraced the digital revolution. The implementation of
the Core Banking Solution (CBS) transformed banking operations by enabling seamless
transactions across branches and providing customers with online access to their accounts. The
rise of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), internet banking, and mobile banking further
revolutionised the customer experience, making banking services more accessible and
convenient.
Financial Inclusion and Innovative Initiatives
The 21st century marked a renewed focus on financial inclusion, driven by initiatives like the
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). Launched in 2014, this ambitious program aimed to
provide access to banking services, insurance, and credit facilities to the unbanked and
underbanked population. The Jan Dhan accounts acted as a stepping stone for individuals to
participate in the formal financial ecosystem.
In parallel, the evolution of the Indian banking process saw the integration of unique
identification technology with banking services. The Aadhaar system, a biometric-based
identification system, facilitated streamlined Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and
improved accessibility to financial products.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Financial Revolution
Among the most revolutionary advancements in Indian banking is the Unified Payments
Interface (UPI). Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI
transformed the way how transactions are conducted by enabling instant and seamless money
transfers between individuals and businesses. UPI's open architecture allowed banks, fintech
companies, and other payment service providers to develop user-friendly applications, further
driving financial inclusion. The rapid adoption of UPI has played a crucial role in moving India
towards a less-cash economy, reducing the dependence on physical currency and enhancing
transparency.