Imphal: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday between the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) at the New Secretariat, here.
The agreement seeks to promote financial inclusion by facilitating the opening of Self-Help Group (SHG) savings accounts and providing credit linkages to SHGs.
The MoU was signed in the presence of N. Bandana Devi, state mission director, MSRLM and Vinay Kumar, zonal manager, zonal office Guwahati, on behalf of PNB.
Vinay Kumar reaffirmed PNB’s commitment to support the Lakhpati Didi initiative under MSRLM. He highlighted that the bank would work closely with potential Lakhpati Didis to help them achieve sustainable income levels and realize the vision of becoming Lakhpati Didis.
The ceremony was also attended by Manasij Chakraborti, circle head, Circle Office, Imphal; Vivek Kumar Bunwal, chief manager; Vinayak Das, chief manager; Thokchom Abuncha Singh, senior manager and officials of MSRLM.
As part of the agreement, PNB has committed to support SHGs through simplified account opening procedures and enhanced credit linkage initiatives. The bank has also agreed to engage eligible SHG members as Business Correspondents (BCs) in unbanked blocks, thereby ensuring last-mile delivery of banking services.
This collaboration signifies a major step toward strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting inclusive, accessible banking services in Manipur.
