Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati delivered a strong call to bankers on Saturday, urging them to prioritize a humane and empathetic approach when dealing with beneficiaries of pro-people schemes aimed at improving livelihoods.
Speaking at an Ideation Workshop on Bank-Linked Livelihood Schemes at Raj Bhavan, the Governor stressed that bankers must look beyond mere transactions and focus on the social impact of government welfare initiatives. Highlighting the state’s growth rate target of 9%, Dr. Kambhampati called bankers “key drivers in building a Viksit Odisha,” underscoring their pivotal role in economic upliftment.
A major concern raised was the low enrollment in key welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). The Governor noted that a lack of personal connection and clear explanation of benefits by bankers contributes to this issue.
He pressed banks to aim for universal coverage, ensuring at least 80% of savings account holders are enrolled. Dr. Kambhampati suggested an active outreach strategy, including sending postcards to customers to explain the benefits and identify uncovered clients.
Dr. Kambhampati offered concrete solutions to address challenges faced by specific beneficiary groups.
The workshop, attended by heads of major banks, also saw the Governor review implementation progress of other schemes crucial for livelihood and development, including the Mukhya Mantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Stand-Up India, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).