Itanagar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently participated in an important Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, hosted by the State Bank of India’s (SBI) Regional Office. This event marked the launch of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, an initiative designed by the Central Government to uplift tribal communities through sustainable development and economic empowerment.
The program, developed in collaboration with institutions such as NABARD, SIDBI, and Punjab National Bank (PNB), demonstrated the commitment of financial institutions to support social welfare and community development in Arunachal Pradesh. The event highlighted the need for inclusive growth, particularly for the state’s rural and indigenous populations.
A notable aspect of the event was a vibrant exhibition featuring 30 stalls, including 16 dedicated to Self Help Groups (SHGs) supported by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ARSLM). These stalls showcased the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, providing a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to display their products. The initiative aimed to strengthen the local economy by empowering these individuals.
The CSR programme also included several key initiatives to benefit the local community. SBI donated an ambulance and a hearse van to the Office of the Director General of Police, which will improve emergency services in the region. In addition, SBI provided 50 bicycles to young girls in remote areas, facilitating their access to education.
NABARD contributed by launching two mobile financial literacy vans that will travel through rural areas, educating communities about banking services and financial inclusion. SIDBI supported healthcare initiatives by introducing a mobile medical unit to deliver essential medical services in underserved communities.
The event showcased an innovative solar-powered "Bank on Wheels," a project supported by Punjab National Bank and Tripura Gramin Bank, aimed at providing banking services to remote and off-grid areas. This initiative reflects a growing focus on making financial services accessible and environmentally friendly.
The CSR programme illustrated the collaborative efforts of India’s financial institutions in supporting education, healthcare, and financial literacy, contributing to the development of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal and rural communities.
BI Bureau
