New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday dedicated 75 Digital Banking Units (DBU) across 75 districts to the nation via video conferencing.
In the address during the event, which he made virtually, the Prime Minister said that these Digital Banking Units will improve banking and financial management, promote transparency and financial inclusion.
“Digital Banking Units is a big step in the direction of Ease of Living for the common citizens. It will enable customers to have cost effective and convenient access, and get an enhanced digital experience of banking products and services,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that the government aims to provide maximum services with minimum infrastructure.
“And all of this will happen digitally without involving any paperwork. It will also simplify the banking procedure while also providing a robust and secure banking system,” he said.
“People living in small towns and villages will find benefits like transferring money to availing loans. Digital Banking Units are another big step in that direction which is going on in the country to make the life of common man of India easier,” the Prime Minister added.
Recalling the traditional ways of the past where people had to go to the bank, the Prime Minister said that this government transformed the approach by bringing the bank to the people.
“We have given top priority to ensure that banking services reach the last mile… We not only removed the physical distance but, most importantly, we removed the psychological distance,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi said that extensive Post Office network in the country also was harnessed via India Post Banks for providing the banking needs to the common citizens.
“Today the number of branches per one lakh adult citizens in India is more than countries like Germany, China and South Africa,” he said.
“Despite initial misgivings in certain sections, today the entire country is experiencing the power of Jan Dhan Bank accounts,” the Prime Minister added.
He informed that today 70 crore indigenous Rupay cards are in operation, a vast change from the days of foreign players and the elite nature of such products.
“This combination of technology and economy is enhancing the dignity and affordability for the poor and empowering the middle class, while at the same time it is also eliminating the digital divide of the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister also praised the role of DBT in eliminating corruption and said that more than 25 lakh crore rupees have been transferred in various schemes via DBT. He informed that he will transfer the next instalment to the farmers on Monday.
“The whole world is appreciating this DBT and the digital power of India. Today it is being seen as a global model. The World Bank has even gone so far as to say that India has become a leader in ensuring social security through digitization,” he said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech for 2022-23, announced the setting up the 75 Digital Banking Units in 75 districts.
The DBUs are being set up with the objective to ensure the benefits of digital banking reach every nook and corner of the country. 11 Public Sector Banks, 12 Private Sector Banks and one Small Finance Bank are participating in the endeavour.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Governor of Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das were among those present on occasion among others. Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, State Ministers, MPs, banking leaders, experts and beneficiaries were also connected via video conferencing.
