- Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Giriraj Singh launched ‘SAMARTH Abhiyan’ to promote digital transactions in 50000 Gram Panchayats under Amrit Mahotsav on 25 May 2023 in Lucknow.
- The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which celebrates 75 years of India’s independence.
- The campaign started on February 1, 2023 and will continue till August 15, 2023.
- Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, the campaign aims to promote digital transactions in rural areas with a special focus on empowering women.
- Around 1000 BC Sakhis from across India participated in the event held in Lucknow.
- Addressing the audience, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath highlighted that with the digital transformation brought about by BC Sakhis in UP alone to the tune of 5 Crore 57 lakh transactions, they have not only ensured last mile doorstep banking across villages, but also helped banks save costs on low volume transactions.
- CM also lauded BC Sakhis who helped rural masses encash over Rs 75,000 Crore of Government DBT.
- CM added that in the digital Gram Sachivalays being created by Govt. of UP in villages, each will be having provision of offering services of Bank Sakhis too.