Imphal, September 8: The Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to strengthen rural livelihoods by enhancing financial inclusion across the state. The agreement, formalized at the New Secretariat in Imphal, aims to facilitate savings account openings for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ensure smooth credit linkages, and expand banking services to underserved rural communities.
The partnership is expected to significantly empower women and support Manipur’s Lakhpati Didi programme, which promotes sustainable income generation among rural women. Speaking at the event, Shri Vinay Kumar, Zonal Manager of PNB’s Guwahati office, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to collaborating with prospective Lakhpati Didis to help them achieve financial stability.
Under the MoU, PNB will simplify account opening procedures for SHGs, enhance credit linkage initiatives, and appoint eligible SHG members as Business Correspondents in unbanked blocks to ensure last-mile delivery of financial services. Senior officials from both MSRLM and PNB were present at the signing ceremony.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward building inclusive and accessible banking services, fostering sustainable development, and empowering rural communities throughout Manipur.
