What are the differences between regional rural banks and cooperative banks?

Regional rural banks (RRBs) primarily focus on providing banking services to rural areas and are sponsored by commercial banks, with a mandate to promote financial inclusion among the rural population. They are government-supported entities that aim to enhance agricultural and rural development. In contrast, cooperative banks are member-owned institutions that serve both urban and rural areas, operating on the principle of mutual assistance and focusing on the needs of their members. While RRBs are more government-directed and emphasize rural development, cooperative banks are more community-driven and emphasize cooperative principles.