Punjab and Sind Bank is one of India’s lesser-known nationalised banks — but its government ownership status is clear and definitive.
Punjab and Sind Bank is a Government of India owned public sector bank. It is not a private bank. The central government holds an extraordinarily dominant majority stake — making Punjab and Sind Bank one of the most government-controlled banks in the entire Indian banking system. As a public sector institution, the bank carries the implicit backing of the Government of India, participates in all major government schemes, and operates under Ministry of Finance oversight alongside RBI regulation.
Punjab and Sind Bank — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Bank Name | Punjab and Sind Bank |
| Founded | 24 June 1908 |
| Origin | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Founded By | Bhai Vir Singh, Sir Sunder Singh Majithia, Sardar Tarlochan Singh |
| Type | Public Sector Bank (Government Bank) |
| Nationalised | 15 April 1980 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Government Stake | Approx. 98.25% (as of 2025) |
| Listed On | BSE and NSE |
| Regulator | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Tagline | Where Service is a Tradition |
The History of Punjab and Sind Bank
Punjab and Sind Bank was founded on 24 June 1908 in Amritsar — the spiritual heartland of the Sikh community — by three eminent figures: Bhai Vir Singh, Sir Sunder Singh Majithia, and Sardar Tarlochan Singh. The bank was established with a deeply community-oriented vision — to serve the people of Punjab, particularly the farming and trading communities of the region, and to provide accessible financial services rooted in values of service and integrity.
The founding of Punjab and Sind Bank was closely connected to the Sikh community’s tradition of community service (seva) — and this spirit of selfless service is reflected in the bank’s tagline “Where Service is a Tradition.” The bank grew steadily through the first half of the 20th century — building a strong presence across Punjab and surrounding regions, becoming a trusted financial institution for Punjab’s agricultural and trading communities.
The 1980 Nationalisation
Unlike the 14 banks nationalised in 1969, Punjab and Sind Bank was nationalised in a second wave — on 15 April 1980, when the Government of India nationalised six more banks. This second round of nationalisation extended government ownership to smaller but regionally significant banks like Punjab and Sind Bank — bringing them under the national banking framework and directing their resources towards priority sector lending and financial inclusion.
Post-nationalisation, Punjab and Sind Bank continued its strong regional focus — maintaining deep roots in Punjab while gradually expanding its national presence.
Current Shareholding Pattern
| Shareholder Category | Approximate Stake |
| Government of India | 98.25% |
| Foreign Institutional Investors | 0.5-1% |
| Domestic Institutional Investors | 0.5-1% |
| Public and Retail Investors | 0.5-1% |
With approximately 98.25% government ownership — the highest among all listed nationalised banks — Punjab and Sind Bank is almost entirely a government institution. This extraordinary level of ownership makes it effectively a fully government bank in every practical sense.
Key Facts and Services
Punjab and Sind Bank today operates over 1,550 branches and 1,000+ ATMs across India — with its strongest presence in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and surrounding North Indian states. The bank employs over 9,000 people and serves retail, agricultural, MSME, and government banking customers across its network.
For individual customers, the bank offers savings accounts, fixed deposits, home loans, vehicle loans, personal loans, education loans, and gold loans. PSB UnIC mobile banking app and internet banking platform serve digital customers. Agricultural lending remains a defining strength — reflecting the bank’s deep roots in Punjab’s farming heartland. The bank is an active partner for government schemes including PM Mudra Yojana and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Punjab and Sind Bank a government or private bank?
A: Punjab and Sind Bank is a Government of India-owned public sector bank. The government holds approximately 98.25% stake — the highest among all listed nationalised banks.
Q: When was Punjab and Sind Bank founded?
A: On 24 June 1908 in Amritsar, Punjab, by Bhai Vir Singh, Sir Sunder Singh Majithia, and Sardar Tarlochan Singh.
Q: When was Punjab and Sind Bank nationalised?
A: On 15 April 1980 — as part of the second wave of bank nationalisation in India.
Q: Where is Punjab and Sind Bank headquartered?
A: New Delhi, India.
Q: How many branches does Punjab and Sind Bank have?
A: Over 1,550 branches across India.
Q: What is Punjab and Sind Bank’s tagline?
A: “Where Service is a Tradition.”
Q: Is Punjab and Sind Bank safe for deposits?
A: Yes — with approximately 98.25% government ownership, RBI regulation, and DICGC insurance up to ₹5 lakh per depositor.
