Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, officially launched the 'SAMARTH Campaign on Promoting Digital Transactions in 50000 Gram Panchayats' under the Amrit Mahotsav in Lucknow today. This campaign, which will continue until August 15, 2023, is part of the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav celebrations and aims to promote digital transactions in rural areas, with a particular focus on women.
During the launch event, Union Minister Giriraj Singh praised the significant reduction in Non-Performing Assets (NPA) of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which has decreased from 9.58% in 2013 to below 2% presently, under the inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged banks to acknowledge the outstanding credit performance of SHG members, often referred to as "Didis," and provide them with loans to further support their remarkable achievements. The minister also highlighted India's exemplary position in women's empowerment in the new digital economy, largely due to Prime Minister Modi's visionary initiatives.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, emphasized the significant impact of BC Sakhis (Bank Correspondent Sakhis) in bringing about digital transformation in the state. BC Sakhis have facilitated over 5.57 crore transactions, reaching a vast population and providing doorstep banking services. Their contributions have not only served the last mile but also helped banks save costs on low-volume transactions. The Chief Minister mentioned that the digital Gram Sachivalays being established in villages of Uttar Pradesh will include provisions for Bank Sakhis to offer their services.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Rural Development, Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, congratulated the BC Sakhis for their remarkable demonstration of "Samarthya" (competence). She praised the women of India, highlighting their multifaceted roles as kitchen managers and providers of doorstep banking services to underserved citizens across the country.
Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, K P Maurya, recognized the transformative role played by BC Sakhis in empowering women in rural India. He applauded their increased earnings and the honorable position they have attained within their households and society as a whole. The event witnessed the online presence of Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel. Vijay Laxmi Gautam, Minister of State for Rural Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, also graced the occasion.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, welcomed the dignitaries and provided an overview of the #SAMARTH campaign. He highlighted the milestones set and achieved under the campaign by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
The event showcased a compendium of 75 Inspirational Tales of BC Sakhis, highlighting their success stories. BC Sakhis shared live testimonies of the transformations they have brought about in their lives. Additionally, biometric PoS machines were distributed to BC Sakhis, and appointment letters were presented to newly appointed BC Sakhis.
Around 1000 BC Sakhis from across India participated in the event in Lucknow, while State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and other stakeholders joined the event through webcasts. The event was also live-streamed on social media platforms.
