HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, May 16: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated India’s first AI-powered “phygital” banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank at GS Road in Guwahati.
The new-generation banking branch combines physical banking services with digital and AI-enabled systems, including self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposit and withdrawal facilities, and digital onboarding services aimed at making banking more accessible and convenient.
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According to officials, the branch has been designed to provide responsible credit, savings and payment solutions to individuals and small businesses, especially those with limited access to modern banking facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the launch represented a significant step towards building a more inclusive financial ecosystem for both urban and underserved communities.
He stated that the investment reflected the kind of technology-driven collaboration Assam seeks to encourage.
Sarma said the inauguration of India’s first digital and AI-powered banking branch in Guwahati highlighted Assam’s readiness to support the future of Indian banking.
He added that customers would be able to access credit directly through the UPI interface without requiring separate applications, which would particularly benefit small traders and women entrepreneurs by providing quick access to working capital.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the state government’s commitment to positioning Assam as a destination for responsible and technology-driven investments.
He said the government was working to create conditions that support business growth, employment generation and wider access to financial services. Former minister Ashok Singhal, Rajan Bajaj and Dilip Asbe were among those present at the inaugural programme.
