Ambikapur, November 29, 2024 Mamta Jaiswal, a resident of Rajban village in Udaipur block, has emerged as a “mobile bank” for the people of three villages—Salka, Sargawa, and Khodri. As a Bank Sakhi, Mamta has successfully facilitated banking transactions worth over ₹10 crore while empowering rural communities by helping them open bank accounts and linking them to government welfare schemes.
Her efforts have particularly benefitted the elderly, differently-abled, and women who earlier struggled with limited access to financial services. Now, they can withdraw pensions, access insurance payouts, and receive benefits of various schemes without leaving their homes.
Bringing Banking Services to Doorsteps
Mamta ensures seamless access to banking services by visiting homes and helping people withdraw pensions, transfer funds, and access government benefits like the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and widow pensions.
For instance, Varsha, a differently-abled woman from Rajban, used to rely on others to withdraw her disability pension from the bank. Now, Mamta delivers the amount directly to her doorstep, saving her time and effort. Similarly, Santoshi Jaiswal, a beneficiary of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, shared that Mamta’s services have enabled her to manage her household expenses more conveniently.
Elderly widow Manobai expressed gratitude for Mamta’s visits to the gram panchayat, where she helps the villagers with their banking needs, ensuring they no longer need to travel to distant banks.
Economic Empowerment Through the Bihan Yojana
Mamta’s journey as a Bank Sakhi began after she joined a self-help group under the Bihan Yojana. With training provided by the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), she started working as a Bank Sakhi, earning a monthly income of ₹10,000–₹15,000. This income has made her financially independent and allowed her to save for her children’s higher education.
Mamta shared, “I enjoy my work as a Bank Sakhi. Helping people gives me immense satisfaction. The income I earn enables me to contribute to my family’s needs and secure my children’s future.”
Gratitude to Government Initiatives
Mamta credits the Bihan Yojana for bringing a positive transformation in her life. She expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai for supporting initiatives that empower women.
The program has been a success story in Surguja district, where 87 Bank Sakhis are currently operating in seven Janpad Panchayats, providing door-to-door banking services and driving financial inclusion in remote rural areas.
Mamta’s story is a testament to how government initiatives, coupled with individual determination, can empower women and bridge the financial gap in underserved communities.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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