Giriraj Singh Launches SAMARTH Campaign to Promote Digital Transactions at Gram Panchayat Level

Union Minister for Rural Development, Giriraj Singh, launched the ‘SAMARTH Campaign on Promoting Digital Transactions in 50,000 Gram Panchayats’. The campaign is a part of the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav initiative, aimed at promoting digital transactions mainly in the rural areas with an emphasis on woman empowerment. The campaign, which started in February 2023, is set to run till August 15, 2023. The Minister highlighted the successful work of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and BC Sakhis in enabling digital transactions and bringing banking services to the underserved population. A book of 75 inspirational stories from BC Sakhis was unveiled during the launch. The event was attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and various other dignitaries.

Important Points:

  1. The SAMARTH Campaign is aimed at promoting digital transactions in rural areas, with a focus on empowering women.
  2. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and BC Sakhis have played a significant role in digitizing transactions.
  3. BC Sakhis have not only enabled banking services in remote areas of Uttar Pradesh but also helped banks save costs and provided the opportunity for women to earn.
  4. The Uttar Pradesh government is integrating banking services into digital Gram Sachivalays to enhance accessibility.