HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 4: HDFC Bank has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with the inauguration of more than 100 Banking Correspondent Centres (BCC) in multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Assam, Telangana, and Odisha. These centres are set to operate as mini-branches, with the assistance of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), who will enable customers to access a range of banking products and services digitally, even in remote areas.
The VLEs, who are existing micro-entrepreneurs proficient in delivering Government-to-Consumer (G2C) services, will now extend their expertise to provide essential banking products and services, fostering financial inclusion in the country’s underserved regions. With this transformative opportunity, these Business Correspondents (BCs) can tap into new revenue streams and play a pivotal role in unlocking financial empowerment.
The primary objective of the launch is to offer a seamless banking experience to SURU customers and cater to their unmet financial needs. These centres will function as crucial touchpoints in raising awareness about HDFC Bank’s products at the grassroots level, while promoting customer interest. The extensive portfolio of services includes account opening with biometric verification, fixed and recurring deposits, Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS) cash deposit and withdrawal facilities, loans, social security schemes, and EMI collection services.
Smita Bhagat, Group Head of Government and Institutional Business, Alternate Banking Channels, Partnerships, Inclusive Banking Group, and Start-Ups at HDFC Bank, expressed her delight in inaugurating Business Correspondent Centres across more than 100 pin codes nationwide. She emphasized that these centres would play a vital role in offering a wide array of banking products and services, reinforcing HDFC Bank’s steadfast commitment to financial inclusion.
Sanjay Rakesh, Managing Director of CSC e-Gov, also lauded the initiative, recognizing the impact it would have on enhancing financial inclusion and empowering performing Business Facilitators (BFs) who have been instrumental in delivering seamless financial services to underserved communities across the country.
