Northeast Desk, 1st October: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently participated in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program organized by the State Bank of India (SBI) at its Regional Office in Itanagar. The event, held in collaboration with NABARD, SIDBI, and Punjab National Bank (PNB), aimed to showcase the collective efforts toward social welfare and community development in Arunachal Pradesh.
A standout feature of the program was the vibrant display of 30 stalls, 16 of which were dedicated to Self Help Groups (SHGs) supported by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ARSLM). These stalls highlighted a diverse array of indigenous products, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state.
The CSR initiative included several impactful activities designed to benefit local communities. SBI made a significant contribution by handing over an ambulance van and a hearse van to the Office of the Director General of Police in Itanagar, enhancing emergency response services in the region. To promote education for young girls, SBI also donated 50 bicycles to the Deputy Director of School Education in Yupia, facilitating transportation for female students in remote areas.
NABARD took the lead in promoting financial awareness by flagging off two financial literacy demonstration vans, which will travel through rural communities to educate residents about banking services. Meanwhile, SIDBI supported healthcare initiatives by launching a mobile medical unit to conduct medical camps in rural areas, ensuring that essential health services reach underserved populations.
Additionally, the event showcased an innovative demonstration by Tripura Gramin Bank, sponsored by Punjab National Bank. The “Bank on Wheels,” a solar-powered initiative, aims to provide banking services to remote and off-grid areas, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and accessibility.
This CSR program underscored the collective dedication of financial institutions to enhance social welfare in Arunachal Pradesh, fostering development across education, healthcare, and financial literacy sectors.
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