Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding banking services to remote rural areas, ensuring that farmers, traders, and residents can access financial facilities in their own villages. He stressed that the availability of banking services not only fuels local economic activity but also strengthens the implementation of welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister virtually inaugurated three new branches of Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank from the CM Camp Office in Bagia village, Jashpur district. The branches have been opened in Aara village (Jashpur development block), Kudekela (Pathalgaon block), and Chhichhli (Bagicha block). On the occasion, he also released the bank’s 12th Annual Report.
CM Sai noted that the new branches will directly benefit nearly 44,000 people from 23 Gram Panchayats and 48 hamlets, eliminating the need for long travel to avail banking services. “This step will save time, reduce travel costs, and bring essential services closer to the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister informed that 268 panchayats in Jashpur district have been equipped with Atal Digital Seva Kendras, enabling transactions worth nearly ₹15 crore so far. Plans are underway to establish such centres in every panchayat by the upcoming Panchayat Diwas, offering banking, insurance, and scheme-related services locally.
Sarpanch Anima Minj (Chhichhli), Manoj Bhagat (Aara), and Shashikanta Painkra (Kudekela) welcomed the move, stating that villagers will now have full banking facilities in their own areas. MLA Raimuni Bhagat (Aara) highlighted that direct bank access will streamline the delivery of welfare benefits, while MLA Gomti Sai (Kudekela) linked the development to the success of the Jan Dhan Yojana in boosting financial literacy. Zila Panchayat President Salik Sai also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister.
With these additions, Jashpur district now has 30 branches of Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank. The virtual programme at the CM Camp Office was attended by Mati Kala Board Chairman Shambhunath Chakravarty, Zila Panchayat members Ved Prakash Bhagat, Upendra Yadav, Sunil Gupta, CEO Abhishek Kumar, Bank Chairman Vinod Arora, and public representatives from the three Gram Panchayats.