ITANAGAR, Dec 8: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to open an office in Arunachal Pradesh, preferably in the state capital, soon, RBI Executive Director Surekha Marandi informed Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a meeting in his offices here on Friday.
“The RBI is working on the modalities for opening its office, and within three to six months, Arunachal Pradesh should have its own RBI office,” Marandi informed.
She said the RBI is committed to extend banking facilities to the remotest parts of Arunachal Pradesh, and sought the government’s cooperation in providing digital connectivity, which has become the core of all banking activities.
Marandi suggested installing VSATS in areas where cable connectivity has not yet reached or is almost impossible in the near future.
She also suggested that the state government pursue the DoNER ministry to liaise with the ISRO and find possibilities of using its VSAT facility for connectivity.
“Once connectivity is in place, we will pursue the banking institutions to extend their facilities in these areas,” she said.
Marandi also suggested opening customer service points in the rural areas, which offer almost all banking services. She further sought assistance from the state government through its district administrations in recovery drives of loans.
Expressing gratitude to the RBI, Pema assured all assistance from the state government for the establishment of the RBI office.
He said it would ease financial inclusion and transaction to a great level, “as for all purposes the state currently has to depend on the RBI office in Guwahati.”
Khandu also assured assistance to the RBI and banking institutions in extending services to all parts of the state. He directed the finance department to constantly coordinate with the RBI in all its endeavours in the state.
Earlier, Marandi attended the inaugural session of the ‘Dream Change: Arunachal 2027’ conclave and deliberated on the banking sector. (CMO)
