Banking facilities closer to villages will strengthen financial inclusion and the rural economy
Banks have an important role in economically empowering youth, women, farmers and small entrepreneurs: CM Sai
CM Sai unveils special logo marking HDFC Bank’s 25 years in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, September 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has called for expanding the banking network across Chhattisgarh, particularly in rural and remote areas of Bastar and Surguja, to ensure that modern financial services reach people living far from major cities and commercial centres.
The Chief Minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with a delegation of HDFC Bank at the Chief Minister’s Residence Office in Raipur. The delegation informed him that HDFC Bank had completed 25 years of providing services in Chhattisgarh. Sai congratulated the bank’s management, officers, employees and customers on the milestone and unveiled a special logo marking the completion of 25 years of its operations in the state.
Sai said a strong and accessible banking system plays an important role in the economic progress of any state. While banking services have expanded rapidly in recent years and digital technology has made financial services more convenient, he stressed that modern banking facilities should not remain limited to cities and business centres.
He said banking services should be expanded to rural and remote parts of Bastar and Surguja. A significant portion of Chhattisgarh is rural and tribal-dominated, and greater access to banking would provide residents with more opportunities to participate in economic activities. It would also help ensure that the benefits of various government welfare schemes reach beneficiaries more conveniently.
The Chief Minister said the availability of a bank branch or banking facility near villages has an impact beyond routine financial transactions. It saves residents time and resources, encourages savings and builds confidence in formal banking. Easy access to loans, insurance, digital payments and other financial services can further support the economic empowerment of families.
He noted that funds under several Central and state government welfare schemes are now being transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Ensuring easy banking access to the last mile, therefore, also strengthens good governance by helping deliver benefits in a transparent, secure and timely manner.
Sai said expanded banking services could energise the rural economy by providing farmers with financial assistance for agriculture and allied activities, youth with loans for self-employment and entrepreneurship, and small businesses with capital for expansion.
Highlighting the role of women’s self-help groups, he said women across Chhattisgarh are increasingly pursuing livelihood activities and small enterprises through self-help groups. Better access to credit, financial literacy and banking services could provide further support to their entrepreneurial efforts.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of financial literacy, particularly in rural and remote areas, covering digital banking, secure transactions, savings, insurance and financial management.
He said the state is entering a new phase of development, with growing opportunities in industry, trade, agriculture, services and emerging sectors. Banks and financial institutions can play an important role in connecting these opportunities with citizens.
Sai expressed confidence that HDFC Bank would further expand its contribution to Chhattisgarh’s economic development and financial inclusion in the coming years, particularly by extending its reach to villages and remote regions such as Bastar and Surguja.
Raipur North MLA Purandar Mishra, HDFC Bank Group Head Arun Mediratta, Central India Branch Banking Head Prateek Sharma and other bank representatives were present on the occasion.
