SBI donates vehicles under ‘Banks on Wheels' model

To further the goal of financial inclusion in Karnataka, the State Bank of India donated two ‘Banks on Wheels' to the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) on Sunday here. Mr Pratip Chaudhuri, Chairman, SBI, handed over the vehicles to the Managing Director of SKDRDP, Dr H.L. Manjunath.

Speaking at the event, Mr A. Krishnakumar, Managing Director, SBI, said that the bank has over 100 ‘Banks on Wheels' across the country. Each of these vehicles covers 5-6 villages every week.

Self-help groups

Dr Manjunath said SKDRP, which acts as the business correspondent (BC) of SBI in three under-served districts in Karnataka — Gadag, Haveri and Dharwad, has opened over 35,000 self-help groups in the three districts. These SHGs bring in a business of about Rs 2 crore per week, he said. As part of the financial inclusion programme, 1.85 lakh small accounts have been opened, he added.

The bank's kiosk banking programme has helped cover 33 villages in these districts, pointed out Dr Manjunath.

SBI also donated a fully-equipped ambulance to Bangalore-based Rangadore Memorial Hospital.