The Evolving Role of District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in Fostering Financial Inclusion in Rural West Bengal

This article examines the evolving role of District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in promoting financial inclusion across rural West Bengal. Drawing upon empirical evidence from district-level cooperative banks, official RBI data, and recent scholarly research, the study investigates how these grassroots institutions have adapted to policy shifts, technological advancements, and changing rural economic landscapes. The findings reveal that DCCBs in West Bengal have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with 15 out of 17 banks reporting profitability in 2024-25 and significant improvements in asset quality (Bhattacharyya & Nandy, 2024; Reserve Bank of India, 2025). The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in 2014 marked a critical turning point, dramatically expanding account penetration and deposit mobilization. Hooghly District Central Cooperative Bank exemplifies this transformation, reporting 2.23 lakh Kisan Credit Card holders and financing over 31,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) as of 2022 (Cooperation Department, Government of West Bengal, n.d.). The study contributes to the growing literature on cooperative banking and sustainable development by demonstrating how DCCBs serve as vital intermediaries in reducing rural households' dependence on informal credit sources (Saravanabhavan & Rajeev, 2024; Singh et al., 2022). However, persistent challenges, including rising non-performing assets (10.4% in West Bengal), technological adoption gaps, and the need for enhanced financial literacy, require sustained policy attention.