The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has written to the Regional Manager of the State Bank of India (SBI), alleging that the bank’s digital banking and KYC platforms are incorrectly classifying Scheduled Tribe (ST) Christians in Arunachal Pradesh under the “General” category.
In a representation dated April 14, 2026, the forum claimed that customers belonging to constitutionally recognised Scheduled Tribes face difficulties while opening accounts or updating Know Your Customer (KYC) details through SBI’s YONO application and other digital banking services. According to the ACF, when users select “Christian” as their religion, the system allegedly does not provide the option to choose “Scheduled Tribe (ST)” and instead directs them to the “General” category.
The forum argued that such a classification could lead to the incorrect categorisation of genuine ST Christians and may create concerns among tribal communities whose Scheduled Tribe status is protected under the Constitution. The letter further stated that the Presidential Order relating to Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh does not impose any religion-based restriction that would deprive a tribal individual of ST status upon embracing Christianity.
The ACF also maintained that SBI is not the competent authority to alter or de-list the ST status of any individual holding a valid Scheduled Tribe certificate. It urged the bank to examine whether its software automatically disables the ST category when “Christian” is selected as religion and to clarify whether any such provision is based on a legal, regulatory or RBI directive.
The organisation called on SBI to rectify the software, if necessary, and ensure that religion and tribal status are not treated as mutually exclusive categories. It also sought a response within 15 days detailing any corrective measures taken.
The letter, signed by James Techi Tara, President of the ACF, and Yomrik Lombi, Secretary General, warned that if the issue remains unresolved within the stipulated period, the organisation may launch protests by gheraoing SBI branches across Arunachal Pradesh. A copy of the representation was also forwarded to the SBI North East Circle headquarters in Guwahati.
