While replying to a query raised by a Lok Sabha member, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah informed that 1723 new Business Correspondents/Bank Mitras have been made and Micro-ATMs have been distributed by DCCBs with the help of NABARD.
“In this regard a pilot project has been launched in the Banaskantha and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat on the initiative of the Ministry of Cooperation”, he added.
Shah further added, “Primary Cooperative Societies like Dairy and Fisheries are empowered by NABARD to become Business Correspondents/Bank Mitras (BCs) of State and District Central Cooperative Banks. In this regard, NABARD has issued a circular dated 11.06.2018 and permitted to engage village level dairy cooperative societies, LAMPs and other non-credit functional societies related to agriculture and allied sectors to act as BCs of StCBs/DCCBs subject to StCBs/DCCBs fulfill the criteria”, he said
It bears recall that Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies are ensuring the economic development of their members by providing banking services at the doorstep. These services include, Account Opening, Cash Deposit, Cash Withdrawal, Fund Transfer, Balance Enquiry, Mini Statement, Enrolment of PMSBY, Enrolment of PMJJBY and others.
