Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has won the Digital Transformation Award 2025, an international recognition given by Central Banking, London. This award acknowledges RBI’s efforts in implementing digital solutions that have streamlined operations, replacing paper-based submissions with modern technology.
The bank has been honored for launching two key initiatives, Pravaah and Sarthi, which have transformed both its internal workflow and external regulatory processes. These advancements reflect RBI’s commitment to modernizing banking operations with secure, efficient, and digital solutions.
Sarthi: RBI Digital Transformation
One of the major reasons for RBI’s recognition is the successful implementation of Sarthi, a system designed to digitize all internal workflows. The name “Sarthi,” meaning charioteer in Hindi, represents its role in guiding RBI toward a paperless and efficient work environment.
Launched in January 2023, Sarthi has significantly improved document storage, data sharing, and record management for RBI employees. The system also includes advanced data analysis tools, enabling users to generate reports and dashboards for better decision-making.
To ensure a smooth transition, RBI’s IT team worked closely with employees before developing the system. Senior officers, known as nodal officers, were appointed in each department to help staff adapt to the new technology. Additionally, RBI introduced Sarthi Pathshala, an online learning platform, along with in-person training sessions to assist employees in understanding and using the system effectively.
RBI Announces Award on Social Media
The RBI shared the news of its prestigious recognition on social media, highlighting how Pravaah and Sarthi were developed in-house by its team. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), RBI emphasized that these digital initiatives have significantly reduced paper-based processes, making banking operations more efficient and transparent.
By winning the Digital Transformation Award 2025, RBI has set an example in banking innovation, proving its dedication to adopting modern digital technologies. These paperless solutions mark a major step forward in streamlining financial processes while enhancing security, efficiency, and user experience.
Pravaah: Simplifying Regulatory Submissions
The second stage of RBI’s digital transformation came with the launch of Pravaah, which means “smooth flow” in Hindi. This initiative, introduced in May 2024, allows external users to submit regulatory applications digitally instead of relying on physical paperwork.
The Pravaah portal streamlines the submission and approval process, ensuring faster responses and improved tracking of applications. Documents submitted through Pravaah are directly linked to the Sarthi database, where they can be processed seamlessly across RBI offices. With centralized cybersecurity and digital tracking, this integration ensures secure handling of documents while reducing delays in regulatory processes.
How RBI Ensure Smooth Digital Transition
The successful adoption of Sarthi and Pravaah was made possible through careful planning and employee support structures. RBI introduced a team of Sarthi mitras (“friends”)—staff members trained to assist colleagues with any system-related issues. Their role has been crucial in encouraging a smooth transition to the new digital framework.
In addition to extensive in-person training, RBI launched the Sarthi Pathshala platform to educate employees on the system’s features. By ensuring that both technical teams and employees were well-prepared, RBI successfully navigated its shift towards digital banking operations.
