RBI Deputy Governor visits North Sikkim

MANGAN, 12 Nov: Reserve Bank of India organized a financial outreach programme at Mangshila GPU of North district today. The programme was attended by Deputy Governor of RBI, Anand Sinha as chief guest accompanied by Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, DM (N) CP Dhakal and others.
The programme started with the welcome address by RBI’s Gangtok DGM, AK Yadav, wherein he informed that when the RBI Regional Branch was set up on 05 January 2010, one of its agendas was to organise awareness programmes at the village level across the State.
This was followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest and welcome song by students of Mangshila Secondary School.
The DM, in his address, informed that the public of Mangshila and North district are very lucky that RBI, Deputy Governor has come all the way from Mumbai to visit the area and urged the public to place their suggestions and problems.
He also informed that there is no facility for income tax submissions at the district level here and that such a system be introduced. He further drew attention to the absence of bank staff from meetings called by the district administration.
The Power Minister in turn thanked the RBI Deputy Governor for visiting North Sikkim.
He stated that RBI is the pillar of all banks and if all banks are strong then the nation will be strong, further urging the public to follow banking norms.
“The Chief Minister has been conducting several meetings with the bank authorities for financial and social development of the state. The bank authorities should also coordinate with the district administration for the development of the area”, said Mr Lepcha.
Meanwhile the chief guest also visited the SHG and Bank stalls. The RBI also organized quiz competition for the students in which Tingchim JHS stood first with 50 points, followed by Tibuk JHS with 30 points and Mangshila SS with 20 points. All the winners were presented gift hampers by the chief guest.
In his address, the chief guest, Mr Sinha said that Reserve Bank of India is the mother of all the Banks and they look forward to contribute towards the development of agriculture, industry, social savings and other financial sections which is monitored by RBI.
He informed that bank accounts can be opened on the basis of Aadhaar cards and assured to look into setting up a facility for income tax submission.
The public and Panchayat of the area also submitted a written petition for the approval of setting up Bank branches with ATM facilities.
Later on it was also announced that, Mangan SBI Branch will have currency exchange provision very soon, Mangshila will be getting an ATM booth of Central Bank of India and a United Bank of India branch with ATM facility.