Below is a clean, printing-guide format based strictly on the uploaded RPLI Expansion of Eligibility Administrative Instructions and SOP dated 14.08.2026. The source contains the main order plus a detailed SOP, checklists, declaration and FAQs. # RURAL POSTAL LIFE INSURANCE (RPLI) ## EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY BASED ON OPERATIVE SAVINGS BANK ACCOUNT ### 1. INTRODUCTION The Department of Posts has expanded the eligibility criteria for Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI). Earlier, eligibility for RPLI was primarily based on permanent residence in rural areas. With effect from 14.08.2026, an additional eligibility criterion has been introduced. A person maintaining an operative Savings Bank Account with a Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) or any Scheduled Bank in India is also eligible to purchase RPLI, subject to the applicable RPLI provisions. Important: The expansion of eligibility does not relax the existing RPLI underwriting requirements such as age limits, sum assured limits, medical requirements and financial underwriting norms. --- # 2. IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS ### 2.1 Administrative Instruction File No.: F. No. 92-1/2026-LI Department: Department of Posts Directorate: Directorate of Postal Life Insurance Date: 14.08.2026 ### 2.2 Subject Expansion of eligibility criteria under Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI). ### 2.3 New Eligibility Criterion In addition to persons permanently residing in rural areas, any person maintaining an operative Savings Bank Account with: 1. Post Office Savings Bank (POSB), or 2. Any Scheduled Bank in India shall also be eligible to purchase RPLI, subject to compliance with the applicable RPLI provisions. ### 2.4 Effective Date The instructions shall come into force with immediate effect from 14.08.2026 and shall remain applicable until further orders. --- # 3. EXISTING RPLI ELIGIBILITY As per Rule 9(a) of the POLI Rules, 2011, RPLI covers persons who: * Are male or female; * Permanently reside in rural areas; * Are ordinarily residents in India; * Have attained majority. Foreigners and Non-Resident Indians are excluded under the stated rule. The new operative Savings Bank Account criterion has been added as an additional eligibility route. --- # 4. OPERATIVE SAVINGS BANK ACCOUNT ## 4.1 Meaning of Operative Savings Bank Account A Savings Bank Account shall be treated as “Operative” only when it is: * Active; * KYC-compliant; * Not frozen; * Not blocked; * Not dormant; * Not inoperative; * Not closed. ### 4.2 Scheduled Bank Account – 24-Month Transaction Requirement In the case of a Scheduled Bank Account, there must be at least one customer-initiated transaction during the preceding 24 months. ### 4.3 POSB Account For a POSB account, the status reflected in the Core Banking System (CBS) shall be treated as conclusive and binding. ### 4.4 Scheduled Bank Account For a Scheduled Bank account, the status or classification assigned by the concerned bank shall be relied upon as authoritative. --- # 5. 24-MONTH TRANSACTION WINDOW For Scheduled Bank accounts, at least one customer-initiated transaction must have taken place during the preceding 24 months. ### Example If the RPLI proposal is submitted on 14.08.2026, the relevant 24-month period is: 15.08.2024 to 14.08.2026 Therefore: | Last Transaction Date | Operative Status | | --------------------- | ---------------- | | 10.03.2025 | Operative | | 01.06.2024 | Not Operative | | 15.08.2024 | Operative | A transaction falling within the preceding 24-month period qualifies for the purpose of determining operative status. --- # 6. ACCOUNT NUMBER ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT An RPLI proposal shall not be accepted solely on the basis of the Savings Bank Account number furnished by the proposer. The operative status must be established through an acceptable Physical/Digital proof.
1
