HDFC initiative to impart financial literacy to people
Tribune News Service
Shimla, October 3
Pragati Rath of the HDFC Bank that will provide financial and digital literacy to the people during a month-long initiative by moving to different parts of Himachal was today launched by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Pragati Rath was a commendable endeavour of the HDFC Bank to encourage people to adopt digital banking and also impart financial literacy. He said that this was a unique hi-tech van equipped with an LED to raise awareness about best digital practices.
HDFC Bank provided a cheque of Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund on the occasion. The present state government during the last about 20 months has provided financial assistance of Rs 30 crore to the poor and needy.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the bank for announcing to open 10 new branches in the state which would provide better banking services in the rural areas. He said that usually it was a belief of private banks that the banks were more successful in urban areas, but the HDFC Bank had dispelled this myth by opening several branches in rural areas of the state.
The bank announced adoption of 15 villages of the state under Holistic Rural Development Programme. The bank also announced that it would support drug de-addiction initiative in the state besides collaborating in waste management.
Chief Secretary Dr Shrikant Baldi said that banks play an important role in the economy of the state and urged them to give liberal and easy loan facilities to consumers by avoiding cumbersome procedures. Managing Director HDFC Bank Dr Aditya Puri said that the bank had 67 branches and 107 ATMs in Himachal Pradesh to facilitate consumers.
