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Additional Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy, speaking at the launching programme of Digi-Prayas at Hotel Vivor on November 8. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 8 (EMN): Digi-Prayas, a financial literacy programme initiated by Axis Bank, was officially launched by Additional Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy at Hotel Vivor on November 8.
Digi-Prayas is undertaken by Axis Bank with the objective to impart financial literacy to over 80,000 people across the country. This initiative also aims to help people to be financially literate, digitally aware and be active on various modes of digital banking.
Here in Nagaland, 20 villages have been selected for the financial literacy programme, while the adoption of the selected villages was officially announced by the chief guest Temjen Toy.
The villages are Diphupar B, Ikishe, Seithekema A, Sovima, Wokha village, Longsa, Khensa, Mekhuli, Nerhema, Chiephobozou, Tsiesema Basa, Tsiesema Bawe, Meriema, Kacharigaon (Phevima), Sangtamtila, Pihekhu, Chedema, Rüsoma, Kughato and Zukihe.
The additional chief secretary, in his address, stated that less than 60% of the population in the country does have access to banking. He therefore, lauded Axis Bank for embarking on the mission to literate the people, particularly the rural areas.
Further stating that there are around 30 blocks in the State which do not have access to banking facilities, he urged the Axis Bank officials to take the initiative to reach out to those areas which are yet to avail banking facilities.
“What is the use of financial literacy when there are no banks in their areas,” Toy said making a reference of those unbanked blocks/sectors.
“Of course, opening a bank is a business venture, but there are also issues beyond profit,” Toy said maintaining that banks also should take into account the social responsibilities and expand their services to the unbanked areas.
Earlier, the circle head of North East Circle, Axis Bank, Biplabi Patnaik stated that Axis Bank was the first to embark on this initiative.
“Due to lack of financial literacy, many people falls prey to money lenders,” Patnaik said while he also stressed the need for every citizen to have a separate bank account.
Out of the 20 adopted villages, Patnaik informed that seven are from Kohima, adding that the bank (Axis Bank) aims to have larger interaction with these twenty villages.
“It’s not only financial inclusion, but we aim to make them (villagers) digitalised too,” Patnaik added.
The launching programme was also attended by other Axis Bank officials and leaders from all the villages.
