SBI holds 'Gram Choupal' to identify grassroots level issues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18 2025: State Bank of India, Mayang Imphal Branch on Thursday successfully conducted a comprehensive "Gram Choupal" programme to identify grassroots level issues faced by the local community.

The programme held at the Community Hall, Shamushang Shantipur, Imphal West District, witnessed active participation from more than 40 members of the local community, reflecting strong public engagement and interest in financial awareness and inclusion initiatives.

The programme was graced by dignitaries, including Khumukcham Okendro Singh, Regional Manager, SBI, RBO, Imphal West Region; Chanam Guneshore Singh, Chief Manager, SBI AMCC Imphal; Dr Meitram Uttam Luwang, Lead District Manager (LDM), Imphal West District; Khaidem Rusobanta Singh, Manager, RMRU, SBI RBO Imphal West; and Nongthombam Roshan Singh, Branch Manager, SBI Mayangimphal Branch.

During the programme, the participants were sensitised on various banking schemes such as Kisan Credit Card Scheme and the critical role of financial literacy in achieving comprehensive financial inclusion.

Detailed guidance was provided on the documents required for opening bank accounts, as well as on Government-supported microinsurance and micro-pension 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 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.

The participants were cautioned against fraudulent social-media content, including a widely circulated Al Created Deep Fake Facebook video falsely claiming guaranteed returns by depositing Rs 26,000, which was categorically clarified as a fraudulent scheme.

Participants were also guided on the importance of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) and declaring actual income, highlighting how tax compliance facilitates smoother processing of high-value loan applications and contributes to national infrastruc-ture development such as roads, bridges, and public facilities.

Further, the significance of maintaining a healthy credit score, prudent loan utilisation, and timely repayments was clearly explained.

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.

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.

Awareness was also provided about 1930, India's National Cyber Crime Helpline Number, which is meant for immediate reporting of cyber financial frauds.

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