SBI conducts Gram Choupal
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, December 20 2025: With the objective of identifying grassroots-level issues faced by the local community and deliberating on practical, sustainable solutions, a comprehensive "Gram Choupal" (village meeting) was organised by State Bank of India, Ningthoukhong Branch, Bishnupur at the Laiharaopham Community Hall, Bishnupur.

The programme witnessed active participation from more than 100 members of the local community.

It was graced by Dr Meitram Uttam Luwang, Lead District Manager (LDM), Imphal West District; Khaidem Rusobanta Singh, Manager, RMRU, SBI RBO Imphal West; Oinam Himmat Singh, Branch Manager, SBI Ningthoukhong Branch; Salam Sangai Luwangcha, retired Bank Manager of MSCB and proprietor of Malem Brick Field, Thinungei, officials of MSRLM namely Cluster Coordinator Khwairakpam Suranta Singh and Block Cordinator Non Farm, Khangembam Gandhi Singh.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Meitram Uttam spoke about the importance of bank finance to develop fishery activities which is a common occupation in the area.

He also spoke about the importance of timely repayment of bank loans and its significance in shaping a good credit score and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) through which fish farmers, poultry farmers and other cultivators of the area can avail working capital finance at a low interest rate of 7% per year from the bank.

Dr Uttam also shared insightful and structured exposition on the critical role of financial literacy in achieving comprehensive financial inclusion.

He lucidly explained how financial awareness acts as a catalyst for empowering citizens and enabling them to effectively access and utilise banking and government-supported financial services.

The participants were further sensitised on various banking schemes, with emphasis on their relevance and accessibility for the common public.

Detailed guidance was provided on the documents required for opening bank accounts, as well as on Gov-ernment-supported micro-insurance and micropension schemes, including PMSBY, PMJJBY, and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Additionally, loan facilities available to street vendors, and small entrepreneurs-such as PM SVANidhi, and MUDRA loans were explained in depth, along with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and procedural aspects.

The programme also covered Central Government-sponsored subsidy schemes, namely PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, PMFME, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with clear explanations of applicable subsidies, loan components, and interest rates.

Participants were further encouraged to avail benefits under the Chief Minister's Employment Generation Scheme (CMESS) of the Manipur State Government, which offers subsidy support to eligible applicants.

In view of increasing digital adoption, special emphasis was laid on safe usage of banking digital platforms and preventive measures against digital fraud.

Participants were also guided on the importance of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) and declaring actual income.

In connection with the ongoing DEAF (Depositor Education and Awareness Fund) campaign, participants were informed about the procedure for claiming balances of inoperative bank accounts dormant for more than eight years, transferred to RBI, and the importance of completing KYC formalities to reactivate bank accounts.

Meanwhile, Khangembam Gandhi Singh spoke about the roles and responsibilities of MSRLM in empowering the SHG members of the village and helping them in improving their livelihood activities through Bank credit.

Salam Sangai Luwangcha also expressed his views about the role of banks in development of the villages and also requested the people to have good relationship with the bank and thereby avail all the development schemes provided by the bank and also requested the public not to hesitate to visit their bank branch.

The programme concluded with an interactive grievance-redressal session, during which participants' queries, pending issues, and concerns were addressed on the spot.

Information regarding the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme was also disseminated to ensure awareness of formal grievance-resolution mechanisms.

The public was encouraged to participate actively in these programmes and avail themselves of the extensive information and benefits being offered.

The Gram Choupal ended with vote of thanks from the Branch Manager of SBI Ningthoukhong Branch Oinam Himmat Singh.

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