Tripura Government has decided to increase the remuneration of persons engaged as ‘Bank Sathi’ in the State.
Speaking to the media in Agartala on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister, Jishnu Dev Varma who also holds the Finance portfolio said, the State government’s decision to hike the remuneration will help Bank Sathis to earn an amount between Rs 6500 to Rs 7000. At present, Bank Sathis are earning Rs 4000 -Rs 4500.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the Tripura Gramin Mission of the State Government would have to shoulder an additional expense of Rs 3.15 annually to pay the increased remuneration. The decision will benefit 305 Bank Sathis in the State.
The decision of the State Government, on the eve of Diwali, has brought cheers among the Bank Sathis of the State. In this connection, Dev Varma also said, the State Government has taken steps to increase the remuneration of Bank Sathis despite serious financial impediments created due to the Covid19 pandemic situation.
He asserted that the State Government would continue its effort to increase the earnings of Bank Sathis.
Explaining the role of Bank Sathis, Dev Varma said, Bank Sathi is a woman member of a rural SHG under Tripura Gramin Jeevika Mission. The Bank Sathi coordinates between different branches of Gramin Bank and women members of SHGs. Opening a bank account, preparation of applications for loans, insurance etc. Besides, Bank Sathis play a crucial role in imparting financial literacy among the SHG members.