RBI Outreach Programme held
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 23 2013 :
The Reserve Bank of India conducted a financial outreach programme at Charangpat Maklang village in Thoubal district today.
Executive Director of RBI G Gopalakrishna inaugurated the Programme at the Community Hall of the village.
M Laxmikumar, Director, Institutional Finance, T Ranjit, Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, PK Jena, Reginal Director of RBI, Guwahati, Senior officers of NABARD and banks were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Gopalakrishna explained that RBI intends to create awareness about banking services among the rural mass through such village outreach programmes.
He advised the residents of the village to avail the services offered by banks for taking up economic activities and be a part of the banking system by opening bank accounts.
He also cautioned the public against being lured by high rate of interest on deposits / lotteries offered by some unscrupulous elements through fictitious e-mail messages, etc.
Urging the banks for extending their services in the rural villages, the Executive Director further advised the banks that they need not perceive the financial inclusion drive as a compulsion rather they should realize that a tremendous business opportunity exists in the rural sector.
He also stressed upon the need for adopting the ICT based solutions involving Business Correspondents in expanding the scope of financial inclusion.
As part of the village outreach programme of RBI, Executive Director Gopalakrishna and Regional Director Jena interacted with school students.
As a part of the RBI's initiative of financial awareness programmes, UBI organized a free health check-up camp at the village and SBI extended note/coin exchange facility to the public as an effort to be in line with RBI's clean note policy.
As a collective effort of banks, around 150 individuals opened no-frills accounts, and 25 farmers availed KCC loans for taking up agricultural activities.
Around 20 stalls opened by various banks including SHGs showcased their products and disseminate information among villagers.
The District Health Department also organized a blood donation camp on the occasion.
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