Shillong, Sep 17: The Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has demanded establishment of a State Bank of India Branch/CSP at Dobu in East Garo Hills.
In a representation to the SBI Regional Manager, Tura Regional Office, the organisation highlighted the severe public hardship faced by residents due to the complete absence of institutional banking facilities or ATM counters in Dobu and its adjoining villages.
According to AHAM, Dobu Sub Unit, local residents, farmers, and daily-wage labourers are forced to travel long distances to Williamnagar, Rongjeng, or Songsak for basic financial transactions, incurring heavy transportation costs and losing valuable working days.
The organisation stated that Dobu, as a growing commercial hub with high customer density, local business enterprises, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and numerous Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) beneficiaries, would make an SBI sub-centre highly viable and commercially profitable for the bank.
AHAM said establishment of the branch would ensure doorstep banking for villagers and elderly citizens within a 25-30 km radius, boost local trade, agriculture and small businesses through easier credit access, ensure safety by reducing cash carriage on long routes, and enable smooth disbursal of DBT, scholarships and pensions without middleman exploitation.
The organisation has urged the bank authorities to take immediate cognisance and sanction the branch at the earliest in the interest of financial inclusion and public welfare.
