The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently established a committee to reassess the fee structure for White-Label ATMs (WLAs), a move aimed at developing a sustainable model that balances the interests of all stakeholders involved. Chaired by Sunil Mehta, CEO of the Indian Banks’ Association, this panel is tasked with evaluating the current fee structures, analyzing ATM infrastructure, and considering international best practices to ensure equitable pricing that encourages the growth of WLAs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
This review comes at a critical time when the Indian ATM market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2032. WLA operators have proposed increasing the interchange fees—suggesting ₹30 for financial transactions and ₹10 for non-financial transactions—to help cover the rising operational costs. The committee’s findings will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of ATM services in India, particularly as the RBI continues its efforts to enhance retail payment systems and expand financial inclusion.
This development is also relevant for those preparing for RBI Grade B exams, as understanding the role of the RBI in financial inclusion initiatives is an important part of the RBI Grade B syllabus. Students should stay updated on such policy changes for a better grasp of the RBI Grade B exam pattern and to enhance their knowledge for upcoming government job exams. The potential career rewards, including the RBI Grade B salary, make it a highly competitive field.