BHUBANESWAR: State Bank of India (SBI) is going to launch a new wallet having easier payment options for normal feature phones in the country shortly, SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya said
here on the sidelines of Make-in-Odisha conclave on Thursday.
“As of now we have a wallet called SBI buddy and it has been launched in 13 languages. We are working with BSNL to develop a new wallet for the feature phones since many people do not use smart
phones. This wallet yet to be named is expected by December 15,” she told at a press conference.
Apart from the wallet, the SBI is flooded with demands for Point of Sale (PoS) machines. While already over 40,000 machines have been handed over across the country, an order for manufacturing 1.5 lakh more machines have been placed, she informed.
On the scope of investment in Odisha, the SBI chief said the eastern state has not only great potential but the amount that can be invested here will have an impact on the core industries. The policies formulated by the State Government are pro-industries and pro-growth. In the recent past the growth of the State is very much encouraging and is above the average, she said.
“Odisha has three ‘M’s - mines, minerals and manpower and the banks are keen to provide the fourth ‘M’ - money in order to ensure that new projects are set up and people get employment. SBI has already given around Rs 53,000 crore as advances in the State,” she maintained.
According to Bhattacharya there has been immense potential in agriculture sector which can actually do very well in Odisha. People here are usually taking up mono-crop and paddy is the mostly
cultivated crop. The farmers should be encouraged for multi-crops which will not only double their income but help in reducing poverty, she hoped.
“I had a discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who was asking how to carry forward the business correspondents to ensure that the people in remote corners of the State are given uninterrupted banking services. I have requested him to connect us with the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) through which self help groups can be roped in to carry out the activities. We intend to do it quite intensively. From a smallest man to a largest corporate, we are there for all,” she said.
Speaking on surge in deposits in Jan Dhan accounts, she informed in Odisha there has been 288.4 per cent surge in Jan Dhan deposits in around 46.80 lakh accounts post demonetisation. As many as Rs 878.94 crore has been deposited in the last 21 days.
On future plans of the largest PSU bank, Bhattacharya said the focus is now on the merger of SBI with its associate banks besides the resolution of large stressed assets and complete digitisation of banking operation. “The formalities for the merger is on and it is up to the government to take the final call,” she added.