Dehradun: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra made a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Chief Minister’s residence, Dehradun. The meeting focused on various aspects related to the economic scenario of the state, financial inclusion and strengthening of banking services in Uttarakhand.
Chief Minister Dhami, while warmly welcoming the RBI Governor on his arrival in Uttarakhand, said that meeting the head of the country’s financial institution is an important opportunity for the state’s economy. He said that the state government is working towards establishing Uttarakhand as a self-reliant and developed state by giving priority to financial discipline, transparency and digitalization.
The Chief Minister requested Malhotra to cooperate with the RBI for expanding banking facilities in the hilly and rural areas of Uttarakhand, spreading digital payment systems, and effective implementation of financial literacy programs. He said that the state government wants banking services to be accessible even in areas where there is still lack of access, so that the public can get direct benefits of government schemes.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Digital India” campaign, the Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has made remarkable progress in the field of digital transactions, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) and availability of government services on online platforms in recent years. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra praised the efforts being made by the Uttarakhand government towards financial discipline, transparency, and good governance. He said that the Reserve Bank of India is committed to provide all possible support in the financial development of the state and expansion of the banking base.
He assured the Chief Minister that the RBI will promote banking and financial literacy programs in remote areas of Uttarakhand. Apart from this, the facility of financial assistance to the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector at the local level will also be considered to be made more accessible.
