IMPHAL, Feb 25: Executive director of RBI, R Gandhi inaugurated an ATM booth and also a Financial Literacy and Counseling Centre at Imphal East DC complex today morning.
Later, a financial outreach program was conducted at Achanbigei village, Imphal East. Speaking at the occasion, the executive director mentioned that the RBI intends to create awareness about banking services among the rural mass through such outreach program He advised the residents 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 warned the public not to be lured by the high rate of interest on deposits offered by unauthorized bodies through fictitious e-mail messages, etc.
Suggesting that banks need not perceive the financial inclusion drive as a compulsion, rather they should realize that a tremendous business opportunity is beckoning in the rural sector. He stressed upon the need for adopting suitable banking models supported by ICT based solutions involving business correspondents in the remote areas.
As part of the outreach program of RBI, the executive director and regional director Surekha Marandi interacted with school students and also with members of SHGs and farmers clubs. United Bank of India joining RBI’s initiative also organized a free health check up camp at the village and SBI extended a note/coin exchange facility. As a collective effort of the banks, many individuals opened no frills accounts and farmers availed KCC loans for taking up agricultural activities. Further, the banks while observing the difficulties of persons living with HIV/AIDS as a major challenge decided to extend loans to the affected persons as an endeavor towards their corporate social responsibility.